Point of sale device with cradle for mobile computing device

Abstract

A point of sale (POS) device includes a nest portion and a cradle portion. The nest portion includes one or more payment card or near field communication (NFC) readers. The cradle portion is coupled to interchangeable frames of different sizes, which in turn facilitate securing a mobile computing device to the cradle portion of the POS device. The mobile computing device is connected to the rest of the POS device through a connector. Payment card information read by the readers is communicated through the connector to the mobile computing device for processing. The POS device can also include tamper detection circuitry.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. nonprovisional patent application No. 16 / 588,491 entitled “Point-of-Sale Equipment with a Carrier for a Mobile Computing Device”, filed on September 30, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Payment cards, such as credit and debit cards, are frequently used by customers during transactions with merchants. Merchants can use payment card reader devices to read payment information from payment cards. Payment card reader devices include magnetic stripe readers that read payment card information from the magnetic stripe of a payment card swiped through a slot, EMV chip readers that read payment card information from the Europay / Mastercard / Visa (EMV) chip of a payment card inserted into a slot, or near-field communication (NFC) readers that wirelessly read payment card information from NFC-enabled payment cards. The payment card reader device reads the payment card information from the payment card and then sends that information to a server associated with a financial entity (such as a bank or credit card institution) to process the transaction by transferring funds from the customer's account to the merchant's account.

[0004] Mobile computing devices, such as smartphones or tablets, are computing devices with a mobile and / or portable form factor. Mobile computing devices typically include a display screen and an input interface, such as a touchscreen display. Mobile computing devices are becoming increasingly popular, but they come in a wide variety of different sizes and form factors. Therefore, fitting a particular mobile computing device to another device can be difficult because while a bracket or other component used to secure or otherwise fix the mobile computing device may be compatible with the form factor and size of some mobile computing devices, it may not be compatible with all mobile computing devices' form factors and sizes. For example, manufacturers often change components with different form factors, such as device thickness, size, ports, port locations, or other aspects, from one version of a mobile computing device to the next. This often means that newer models of mobile computing devices break compatibility with interfaces that worked well with older versions of the same mobile computing device.

[0005] A point-of-sale (POS) device is a system used by merchants to input the items or services a customer needs, retrieve the price of each item or service, calculate the total price, and in some cases prepare receipts or invoices to be printed and provided to the customer before or after payment processing.

[0006] There is a need for a system and method for secure payment processing that can be flexibly and intuitively integrated with a variety of mobile computing devices. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A A point-of-sale (POS) terminal device is shown, which holds and is coupled to a first mobile computing device having a first shape factor.

[0008] Figure 1B A point-of-sale (POS) terminal device is shown, which holds and engages a second mobile computing device having a second shape factor.

[0009] Figure 2 A point-of-sale (POS) terminal device with interchangeable frames for securing different mobile computing devices with different form factors is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 The system architecture, including point-of-sale (POS) terminal equipment and mobile computing devices, is shown.

[0011] Figure 4A A perspective view of the latches of the frame of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device is shown.

[0012] Figure 4B A side view of the latch of the frame of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device is shown.

[0013] Figure 4C A side view shows the latch of the frame of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device securing the mobile computing device in the locked position.

[0014] Figure 4D A side view shows the latch of the frame of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device supporting a mobile computing device in the unlocked position.

[0015] Figure 4E A side view shows the latch of the frame of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device in the receive / pop position.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device with a removable frame.

[0017] Figure 6A A curved near-field communication (NFC) antenna is shown.

[0018] Figure 6B A curved near-field communication (NFC) antenna is shown next to the payment card slot inside a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device.

[0019] Figure 6C The image shows a second type of curved near-field communication (NFC) antenna next to the payment card slot in a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device.

[0020] Figure 7A An exploded view of the components enclosing and connecting the security enclosure to the circuit board is shown.

[0021] Figure 7B The interior of the security enclosure, which is enclosed and connected to the circuit board, is shown.

[0022] Figure 8A A tamper detection system is shown, in which a flexible component with conductive traces is tightly wrapped around a security element.

[0023] Figure 8B A tamper detection system is shown, in which a flexible component with conductive traces is tightly wrapped around a secure enclosure.

[0024] Figure 9A A flexible component in a tamper detection system for detecting screw tampering is shown.

[0025] Figure 9B The diagram shows a screw, a recessed housing, and a conductive washer, which are also used in tamper detection systems to detect tampering with screws.

[0026] Figure 9C An exploded side view of the components of a tamper detection system for detecting screw tampering is shown.

[0027] Figure 9D It shows Figure 9C A side view of the tamper detection system in a secure state.

[0028] Figure 9E A second solid housing element is shown. Figure 9D A side view of the tamper detection system.

[0029] Figure 10 A tamper detection system is shown, in which one or more flexible members with conductive traces bridge two circuit boards.

[0030] Figure 11A A chip card reader device with reader circuitry on both sides of the slot is shown.

[0031] Figure 11B A circuit diagram of a chip card reader device with reader circuitry on both sides of the slot is shown.

[0032] Figure 12A A tamper detection system with a secure housing and circuit board is shown.

[0033] Figure 12B This demonstrates the state of insecure tampering. Figure 12A The tamper detection system has a casing that is separate from the circuit board.

[0034] Figure 13A The tamper detection system in a secure state is shown, where the tamper dome is compressed.

[0035] Figure 13B The diagram shows Figure 13A The tamper detection system is in an insecure tampering state, in which the tampering fragments are uncompressed.

[0036] Figure 14 The diagram shows a point-of-sale (POS) terminal rotating around a base along various axes.

[0037] Figure 15A The image shows a base using a magnetic damper around which the point-of-sale (POS) terminal device can rotate.

[0038] Figure 15B The image shows a base using a spring-based damper around which the point-of-sale (POS) terminal device can rotate.

[0039] Figure 16A A radial seal is shown to prevent liquid from entering.

[0040] Figure 16B The protective shield features a seal to prevent liquid ingress.

[0041] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a tamper detection system for detecting tampering with fasteners.

[0042] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a tamper detection system that detects tampering with a flexible component connected to two connectors.

[0043] Figure 19 This is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device that can be used to implement some aspects of this technology. Detailed Implementation

[0044] A point-of-sale (POS) terminal device comprises a nested section and a bracket section. The nested section includes one or more payment card or near-field communication (NFC) readers. The bracket section is coupled to interchangeable frames of different sizes, which in turn facilitates securing a mobile computing device to the bracket section of the POS terminal device. The mobile computing device is connected to the rest of the POS terminal device via a connector. Payment card information read by the reader is transmitted to the mobile computing device for processing via the connector. The POS terminal device may also include tamper detection circuitry.

[0045] Point-of-sale (POS) devices may include a flexible member with two exposed conductive areas that are part of a tamper detection circuit. When a recess receives a screw, the screw passes through holes in the flexible member and in a conductive washer, and the conductive washer connects the two exposed conductive areas to each other, closing the tamper detection circuit. An adhesive secures the flexible member to the screw and the conductive washer to the recess opening, such that removing the screw from the recess separates the conductive washer from the two exposed conductive areas, activating the tamper detection circuit.

[0046] Point-of-sale (POS) devices may include tamper detection circuitry in which one or more flexible members connect two circuit boards, each flexible member comprising multiple parallel conductive traces, optionally such that if the device remains in a secure, tamper-free state, one circuit board must be kept very close to the other. Cutting of the traces on the flexible member, or disconnection of the flexible member from either circuit board, can result in unexpected voltage sensor readings indicating a tampering attempt.

[0047] Figure 1A A point-of-sale (POS) terminal device is shown, which holds and is coupled to a first mobile computing device having a first shape factor.

[0048] Figure 1AThe POS terminal device 110 includes a portion referred to as a nesting component 115 and a portion referred to as a bracket 120. The nesting component 115 includes one or more payment instrument readers. For example, the nesting component 115 may include a magnetic stripe reader that reads payment instrument information from the magnetic stripe of a payment instrument such as a payment card. The nesting component 115 may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip reader that reads payment instrument information from the IC chip of a payment instrument such as a payment card. The IC chip may be, for example, a Europay-Mastercard-Visa (EMV) chip, a smart card chip, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card chip, or an IC chip with a similar design. The nesting component 115 may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) reader that wirelessly reads payment instrument information from wireless signals received from an NFC transmitter or NFC transceiver in the payment instrument. The NFC transmitter or NFC transceiver in the payment instrument may be an active NFC transmitter / transceiver or a passive NFC transmitter / transceiver. In some cases, the nesting component 115 may be referred to as the payment area, payment section, payment portion, transaction area, transaction section, or transaction portion of the POS terminal device 110. In some cases, the term "nesting component 115" as used herein may alternatively refer to any part of the POS terminal device 110 other than the mobile computing device 105 and / or the frame 130 and / or the base 150. In other words, the term "nesting component 115" may also include the bracket 120, and in some cases, the frame 130 and / or the base 150. Therefore, the electronic devices or other components discussed herein are located within the nesting component 115, or at least partially within the nesting component 115, and in some cases, may be at least partially located in the bracket 120 (and / or the frame 130 and / or the base 150) in addition to being at least partially located within the nesting component 115.

[0049] The bracket 120 of the POS terminal device 110 receives the mobile computing device 105A and secures the mobile computing device 105A to the POS terminal device 110 via a frame 130A. The frame 130A includes a support edge blocking structure extending from the surface 205 of the bracket 120, and a cavity 140A is formed in the central region around the support edge blocking structure extending therefrom. The dimensions of the cavity 140A depend on the thickness of the frame 130A. The thickness along each side of the frame 130A can be designed such that the dimensions of the cavity 140A are determined to secure the mobile computing device 105A in place.

[0050] Frame 130A itself can be removable. Therefore, when in the fixed state, frame 130A is fixed to surface 205 of bracket 120. When in the unfixed state, frame 130A is separated from surface 205 of bracket 120, as... Figure 2 As shown. Frame 130A can be one of many interchangeable frames 130, each with a different edge thickness to accommodate different sizes and shape factors of the mobile computing device 105. In particular, Figure 1A The bracket 120 includes a first interchangeable frame 130A having a cavity 140A, the cavity 140A being sized to fit Figure 1A The mobile device 105A. In some cases, at least a portion of the mobile computing device 105 is abutted within at least a portion of the cavity 140A, such that even when a user applies forward or lateral pressure using the touchscreen interface, button interface, or other interface of the mobile computing device 105, or when the user is swiping a card or inserting a payment card into the payment card reader 115 of the nest 115, the supporting edge blocking structure of the frame 130 securely holds the mobile computing device 105 in the correct position.

[0051] The side of the mobile computing device 105A with connector 165 can be referred to as the bottom of the mobile computing device 105A, while the side of the POS terminal device 110 coupled to the bracket 150 can be referred to as the bottom of the POS terminal device 110. In this case, the thickness of the left side of the frame 130A and the thickness of the right side boundary of the frame 130A together affect the width of the cavity 140A, which in turn affects the height of the mobile computing device 105A assembled in the cavity 140A. Similarly, the thickness of the top side boundary of the frame 130A and the thickness of the bottom side boundary of the frame 130A together affect the height of the cavity 140A, which in turn affects the width of the mobile computing device 105A assembled in the cavity 140A. Different frames, such as Figure 1B The frame 130B may include different thicknesses on one or more sides of the frame to vary the cavity size to accommodate mobile computing devices of different sizes. Thicker frame boundaries in the frame 130 typically correspond to less space in the cavity 140, while thinner frame edges in the frame 130 typically correspond to more space in the cavity 140.

[0052] Connector 145 can extend from nest 115 into bracket 120 and can connect to a corresponding connector 165 of mobile computing device 105A to connect mobile computing device 105A to nest 115. Figure 1AIn this embodiment, connector 145 of POS terminal device 110 is a plug, while connector 165 of mobile computing device 105A is a port, with the plug inserted into the port to form a connection. In other cases, it is also feasible for connector 145 to be a port and connector 165 to be the corresponding plug, or vice versa. In still other cases, connectors 145 and 165 can be wireless connectors, such as inductive connectors, near field communication (NFC) connectors (receivers, transmitters, or transceivers), any other type of wireless connector discussed herein, or some combination thereof.

[0053] In some cases, nested component 115 may include, for example: Figure 19 The shown and discussed are related to Figure 19 The discussion pertains to the computing device 1900, or may include at least some components of the computing device 1900, such as one or more processors 1910 or memory units 1920 / 1930 / 1940. For example, the memory unit of the nested component 115 may store one or more symmetric or asymmetric encryption keys that the processor of the nested component 115 may use to encrypt payment instrument information read from a payment instrument by one or more payment instrument readers of the nested component 115 before the payment instrument information is sent to the mobile computing device 105 via connector 145. In some cases, the mobile computing device 105 may then send the payment amount along with the encrypted payment instrument information to one or more payment processing servers, which may be associated with a payment service or a financial entity such as a bank or credit card processing entity. The one or more payment processing servers may then identify an account associated with the customer, such as the customer's bank or debit account, or a credit card account associated with the customer, and transfer funds from the account associated with the customer to an account associated with the merchant, such as the merchant's bank or debit account. Alternatively, the nested component 115 may include one or more communication transmitters or transceivers that transmit payment instrument information to one or more payment processing servers for payment processing.

[0054] Mobile computing device 105A can be as follows Figure 19 The shown and discussed are related to Figure 19 The computing device 1900 may include, or may include, at least some components of the computing device 1900, such as one or more processors 1910 or memory components 1920 / 1930 / 1940. The mobile computing device 105A is... Figure 1A The device shown is a tablet, but could be the same as the one discussed. Figure 19Any type of computing device 1900 may be involved. In some cases, the mobile computing device 105A may store instructions corresponding to merchant software or POS software. Instructions executed by one or more processors 1910 of the mobile computing device 105A run the merchant software or POS software, enabling the merchant or customer to identify items or services the customer wishes to purchase, for example, by selecting an identifier representing the item or service the customer wishes to purchase using a touchscreen interface and / or a button-based and / or voice-based interface. In some cases, the identifier may include text and / or images and / or codes displayed by the display screen 1970 of the mobile computing device 105A. In some cases, the mobile computing device 105A or POS terminal device 110 may include one or more peripheral connectors or hubs connected to one or more peripheral devices, such as barcode scanners or scales. In some cases, the merchant may use a barcode scanner peripheral device to scan barcodes on items (or packaging of items) and / or barcodes on items associated with services in order to input the identifier corresponding to the item and / or the service into the mobile computing device 105A. Mobile computing device 105A can access a pricing database or other data structure, whose identifiers correspond to the price of each item or service selected for purchase by the customer or merchant. The database or other data structure may be stored at least partially locally at mobile computing device 105A, and / or may be stored at least partially remotely and accessible via a network connection of mobile computing device 105A. Mobile computing device 105A can then tabulate each of the prices and calculate the sum to produce a subtotal payment amount. In some cases, mobile computing device 105A may add additional payments to the subtotal payment amount to calculate the total payment amount. These additional payments may include one or more tips, gratuities, taxes, fees, other extra payment amounts, or some combination thereof.

[0055] Frame 105A includes latch 135, which can be used to help secure the mobile computing device 105A to the POS terminal device 110 within cavity 140A. Some examples of latch 135 and their use are described below. Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 4E As shown in the image.

[0056] The housing of the POS terminal device 110, including a bracket 120 and a nesting member 115, can be rotatably coupled to a base 150. That is, the housing can rotate or swivel about the base, causing the display of the mobile computing device 105A to face different directions depending on the angle of rotation. In some cases, the housing can rotate indefinitely about the base, 360 degrees or more. In other cases, the rotation of the housing about the base can be limited, for example, from an angle corresponding to the merchant's view and use of the display of the mobile computing device 105A (merchant rotation position or merchant rotation direction) to another angle corresponding to the customer's view and use of the display of the mobile computing device 105A (customer rotation position or customer rotation direction), these angles differing by, for example, 180 degrees. In some cases, the base 150 may include one or more dampers that slow or lock movement at certain locations (e.g., merchant and customer positions), thus requiring additional force to rotate the housing about the base away from these locations. The dampers may include, for example, springs, ramps, or magnets.

[0057] The base may also include sensors or mechanisms for detecting the rotational direction or position of the housing about the base and transmitting the detected position / or orientation to the mobile computing device 105A and / or the POS terminal device 110. Examples of such sensors or mechanisms may include switches, light sensors, Hall effect sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, inertial measurement units (IMUs), or combinations thereof. Alternatively, sensors within the mobile computing device 105A and / or the nesting component 115 may be used to detect the rotational direction or position of the housing about the base, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, inertial measurement units (IMUs), light sensors, infrared sensors, and / or cameras within the mobile computing device 105A and / or the nesting component 115. Based on whether the housing is in the merchant's location or the customer's location, the mobile computing device 105A can use the rotational position / or orientation information to change the graphical user interface (GUI) displayed by the mobile computing device 105A between the merchant GUI and the customer GUI, and to change the input sought via touch or button interfaces or payment tool readers.

[0058] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B and Figure 2In this configuration, the nesting element 115 is shown positioned on the right side of the tray 120. This provides a convenient location for right-handed customers using the POS terminal device 110 to easily move their payment card or payment device into the appropriate slot or other reading area within the nesting element 115. That is, right-handed customers can easily swipe or insert their payment card into the slot on the right side of the POS terminal device 110, or tap their payment card or other payment tool onto the NFC reading area on the right side of the POS terminal device 110. Alternatively, in some cases, the nesting element 115 may be positioned on the left side of the tray 120, above the tray 120, or below the tray 120. In some cases, the POS device 110 may be positioned around axis 1435 along... Figure 14 Rotating counterclockwise 1430 or in the opposite (clockwise) direction as shown allows the nesting member 115 to be reoriented to one of the other sides of the POS terminal device 110. The mobile computing device 105 may include sensors, such as one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, IMUs, cameras, or combinations thereof, which the mobile computing device 105 may use to determine its orientation and automatically rotate, resize, or otherwise adjust the position of any merchant or customer POS GUI displayed on the mobile computing device 105's display screen, and any touchscreen touch interface "soft" button positions corresponding to the GUI.

[0059] POS terminal device 110 with frame 130A is also included. Figure 14 As shown in the figure, Figure 14 It is also shown that the mobile computing device 105A is secured to the POS terminal device 110 within the cavity 104A via the frame 130A and using the latch 135. Figure 14 In the middle, the connector 165 of the mobile computing device 105A is connected to the connector 145.

[0060] Payment instruments, also known as payment objects, transaction instruments, or transaction devices, can include payment cards or transaction cards, such as credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, or transportation cards. Payment instruments can also include payment devices or transaction devices, such as cellular phones, wearable devices, smartphones, tablets, laptops, media players, portable game consoles, and other devices discussed above. Figure 19Other computing devices 1900 are related. Payment instruments may store payment instrument information (which may be referred to as payment object information, payment card information, payment device information, payment information, transaction object information, transaction card information, transaction device information, or transaction information), such as being encoded along a magnetic stripe on the payment instrument, stored on an integrated circuit (IC) chip such as a Europay-Mastercard-Visa (EMV) chip, or stored in an active and / or passive near field communication (NFC) transceiver electrically coupled to one or more payment instruments.

[0061] Figure 1B A point-of-sale (POS) terminal device is shown, which holds and engages a second mobile computing device having a second shape factor.

[0062] Figure 1B POS terminal device 110 and Figure 1A The POS terminal device 110 shown is the same, but uses a different frame 130B. That is, it is similar to... Figure 1A Compared to the 130A frame, Figure 1B The frame 130B includes thicker edges along all four of its sides. As a result, Figure 1B The cavity 140B is smaller than Figure 1A Cavity 140A. Figure 1B The mobile computing device 105B is also smaller than Figure 1A The mobile computing device 105A is installed in the smaller cavity MOB, so the mobile computing device 105B is installed in the smaller cavity MOB.

[0063] Figure 1B The mobile computing device 105B is shown as being larger than... Figure 1A The 105A is a small tablet device for mobile computing. However, in some cases, Figure 1B The mobile computing device 105B can be a significantly smaller device, such as a smartphone or media player device.

[0064] Figure 2 A point-of-sale (POS) terminal device with interchangeable frames for securing different mobile computing devices with different form factors is shown.

[0065] Specifically, the point-of-sale (POS) terminal device 110 includes a housing having a bracket 120 and a nesting member 115. Figure 1A The first frame 130A with thin edges in the middle and Figure 1B The second frame 130B with thick edges is in Figure 2 As shown. Figure 2 The bracket 120 exposes surface 205, which is only exposed to Figure 1A The back of cavity 140A and in Figure 1BOn the back side of the cavity MOB.

[0066] Figure 2 Surface 205 includes a plurality of magnets 210 and magnets 215. Magnets 210 are arranged in an outer rectangular shape (which may in some cases be annular or other shapes), while magnets 215 are arranged in an inner rectangular shape (which may in some cases be annular or other shapes) within the outer shape of magnets 210. Magnets 210 can be used to secure frames 130A and 130B to surface 205 of bracket 120. For example, frames 130A and 130B may also have a magnetic, ferromagnetic (e.g., metallic) surface or both along the side of frames 130A and 130B that mates with surface 205. Once frames 130A / 130B have been secured to surface 205, magnets 215 can be used to secure mobile computing devices 105A / 105B within cavities 140A / 140B. For example, the mobile computing device 105A / 105B may also have a magnet, ferromagnetic (e.g., metallic) surface or both along one side of the mobile computing device 105A / 105B that engages with the surface 205 inside the cavity 140A / 140B.

[0067] Magnets 210 and / or 215 may also be present Figure 1A and Figure 1B Even if they are not visible in those figures. Magnets 210 and 215 can be subsurface magnets just below surface 205 (and therefore invisible) or can be as follows: Figure 2 As shown, magnets 210 and 215 can be permanent magnets (e.g., ferromagnets) that maintain a permanent magnetic field, electromagnets that can turn the magnetic field on or off by switching current on or off, or combinations thereof.

[0068] In some cases, the frames 130A / 130B and / or the mobile computing devices 105A / 105B may be removably secured to the surface 205 by one or more of the following: latches, hooks, hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesives, flexible (e.g., rubber or silicone) seals, stud and tube coupling systems, screws, male-female coupling systems, or alternative coupling systems other than magnets 210 and / or magnets 215.

[0069] Connector 145 is also shown as a long rigid plug extending from nest 115 into bracket 120 above surface 205. In some cases, connector 145 can easily pass through a portion of frame 130 via a channel in frame 130 and partially extend into cavity 140 (e.g., if it is a port, sufficient for insertion into connector 165). In other cases, Figure 2 Connector 145 can be connected to a flexible or rigid extension cable or extension adapter within frame 130, for example... Figure 1BConnector 145 is actually a connector for an extension cable within frame 130B. In some cases, the extension cable of frame 130 may even include circuitry that alters the format of connector 145, for example, from a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard plug to a proprietary plug such as the Apple Lightning cable plug. In some cases, from Figure 2 The connector 145 extending from the nested member 115 can be a flexible cable rather than a rigid connector, so that the connector 145 can extend from any side (e.g., top, left, bottom, right, or diagonal) from which the frame 130 works best.

[0070] The POS terminal device 110, compatible with the interchangeable frame 130, offers significant benefits by providing merchants with the flexibility to use it with older models of mobile computing devices 105, newer models of mobile computing devices 105, and even future models of mobile computing devices 105 released only after the merchant already owns the POS terminal device 110. Another benefit is that certain certification authorities can certify the POS terminal device 110 independently of its various frames 130, since the frame 130 is primarily used to hold the mobile computing device 105 in the correct position and does not store or transmit sensitive data such as encryption keys or unencrypted payment instrument information. Therefore, recertification is not required even when new frames 130 are developed to support the shape, size, and form factor of future versions of the mobile computing device 105.

[0071] Figure 3 The system architecture, including point-of-sale (POS) terminal equipment and mobile computing devices, is shown.

[0072] System architecture 300 includes a mobile computing device 105 and a POS terminal device 110. The mobile computing device 105 refers to a mobile computing device 105 of any shape factor, such as... Figure 1A Large mobile computing device 105A or Figure 1B The 105B is a small mobile computing device.

[0073] Mobile computing device 105 includes processor 305, which may be the processor discussed above. Figure 19 The mobile computing device 105 includes a memory 310, which may be of any type as discussed herein. This memory may be the type discussed herein. Figure 19 Any type of memory related to 1920, discussed and Figure 19 Any type of high-capacity memory related to 1930, discussed and Figure 19Any type of portable memory of 1940, any other type of memory or storage device discussed herein, or some combination thereof.

[0074] Mobile computing device 105 may include touchscreen display 315, which may be the type discussed above. Figure 19 Any type of display screen or display system 1970 mentioned herein or otherwise discussed, and which may optionally include a touch-sensitive surface touchscreen interface, such as a capacitive touchscreen interface or a resistive touchscreen interface. Mobile computing device 105 may include a button interface 320, which may include, for example, a keyboard, keypad, mouse, selection buttons aligned with GUI elements displayed on display 315, and the discussed... Figure 19 Any other input device related to 1960, or some combination thereof.

[0075] Mobile computing device 105 may include one or more wireless transceivers 325, which may include one or more 802.11 Wi-Fi transceivers, wireless local area network (WLAN) transceivers, 3G / 4G / LTE / 5G cellular network transceivers, Bluetooth transceivers, NFC transceivers, RFID transceivers, and the aforementioned transceivers. Figure 19 The input device of 1960 is any type of wireless transceiver, and the discussion is related to Figure 19 The output device 1950 may be any type of wireless transceiver, any other type of wireless transceiver discussed herein, or some combination thereof. The mobile computing device 105 may include one or more batteries 330.

[0076] Mobile computing device 105 may include at least one connector 165 that can connect to connector 145 of POS terminal device 110. Similarly, POS terminal device 110 may include connector 145 that connects to connector 165 of mobile computing device 105. Connectors 145 and 165 may be wired connectors that form an electrical connection when mated together. For example, connector 165 may be a female port and connector 145 a male plug. Alternatively, connector 165 may be a male plug and connector 145 a female port. Alternatively, both connectors 145 and 165 may be female, or both may be male, and they may be connected together via female-to-female or male-to-male adapters or cables, which in some cases may be located in frame 130 and may be referred to as extender / adapter 335. The extender / adapter 335 of frame 130 may also change the connection type or format, for example, by including an adapter that transitions from a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard port or plug (such as USB-C) to another type of port or plug, such as an Apple Lightning port or plug, or vice versa. The extender / adapter 335 of frame 130 may, in some cases, include components such as analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), amplifiers, high-pass filters, low-pass filters, band-pass filters, or some combination thereof, for converting signals transmitted between connectors 145 and 165 (in either direction). The extender / adapter 335 of frame 130 may, in some cases, include components such as memory and processors (not shown in the figures) that can be used to convert the format of data transmitted between connectors 145 and 165 (in either direction), for example by changing the file format and / or adding an additional encryption layer based on an encryption key stored in the memory of frame 130.

[0077] In some cases, connectors 145 and 165 may be or may include one or more wireless receivers, transmitters, or transceivers that can be connected to each other wirelessly rather than via electrical contact. In such cases, connectors 145 and 165 may be or may include 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless receivers / transmitters / transceivers, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) receivers / transmitters / transceivers, Bluetooth receivers / transmitters / transceivers, Personal Area Network (PAN) receivers / transmitters / transceivers, 3G / 4G / LTE / 5G cellular network receivers / transmitters / transceivers, NFC receivers / transmitters / transceivers, RFID receivers / transmitters / transceivers, and the aforementioned types. Figure 19 The input device of 1960 is any type of wireless receiver / transmitter / transceiver, discussed in relation to Figure 19The output device 1950 can be any type of wireless receiver / transmitter / transceiver, any other type of wireless receiver / transmitter / transceiver discussed herein, or some combination thereof. Therefore, data can be wirelessly transferred between the mobile computing device 105 and the POS terminal device 110 (e.g., nesting member 115) via the wireless receiver, transmitter, and / or transceiver of connectors 145 and 165. Connectors 145 and 165 may also include wireless charging elements, such as induction coils, to wirelessly provide power from the POS terminal device 110 (e.g., from nesting member 115) to the mobile device 105 and / or from the mobile device 105 to the POS terminal device 110 (e.g., to nesting member 115). Therefore, power can be wirelessly transferred between the mobile computing device 105 and the POS terminal device 110 (e.g., nesting member 115) via the wireless charging elements of connectors 145 and 165.

[0078] Frame 130 refers to the frame 130 of any shape factor, such as Figure 1A A frame 130A with narrow edges (to house the large mobile computing device 105A within a large cavity 140A) or Figure 1B A frame 130B with thick edges (to accommodate the small mobile computing device 105B within a small cavity 1406). As described above, the frame 130 may include an extender or adapter 335 for bridging the connector 145 to the connector 165. In some cases, the extender / adapter 335 may be used to modify one side of the bracket 120 through which the connector 165 of the mobile computing device 105 is connected to the connector 145. For example, although... Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 Both show the connector 145 extending from the right boundary of cavity 140 and from nest 115 on the right side, but an extender / adapter 335 can be used so that the connector extends alternatively from the bottom boundary of cavity 140, from the left side of cavity 140, from the top edge of cavity 140, or from the diagonal corner of cavity 140.

[0079] Frame 130 may include latch 135, which can be used to secure mobile computing device 105 to POS terminal device 110, particularly within cavity 140 surrounding frame 130. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 14 As shown in the text and as discussed therein.

[0080] POS terminal device 110 may include Figure 2 Magnets 210 and 215 are shown. In some cases, magnet 215 for securing mobile computing device 105 within cavity 140 may alternatively or additionally be located at one or more edges of frame 130. Alternatively or additionally, POS terminal device 110 may include other physical coupling mechanisms that couple frame 130 to surface 205 of bracket 120 of POS terminal device 110, as magnet 210 does, and / or couple mobile computing device 105 to surface 205 of bracket 120 of POS terminal device 110 and / or frame 130, as magnet 215 does.

[0081] POS terminal device 110 may include a nesting component 115, which may include a secure housing 340. The secure housing 340 may be used to house components that may read, store, transmit, or manipulate sensitive information, such as encryption keys, payment instrument information, customer identification information, personal identification numbers (PINs) or codes, customer signatures, merchant identification information, or other sensitive information.

[0082] The secure enclosure 340 is secure because it includes a tamper detection circuit 375 that can detect attempts to damage, drill into, modify, spill conductive liquids into, or remove the secure enclosure 340 or any component within it. The tamper detection circuit 375 includes one or more voltage sensors positioned at various points along the conductive circuit. If tampered with, the conductive circuit should conduct a known voltage, but if tampered with, it is expected not to conduct current (e.g., due to an open / closed circuit) or to conduct a different voltage (e.g., due to a short circuit or other unwanted connection). If a tampering attempt is detected based on one or more voltage changes detected by one or more voltage sensors of the tamper detection circuit 375 exceeding a predetermined tolerance, the POS terminal device 110 can be at least partially disabled or deactivated, and data stored in its memory 350 can optionally be modified, erased, deleted, destroyed, and / or overwritten to prevent malicious parties from gaining access to sensitive information. Examples of the secure enclosure 340 and the tamper detection circuit 375 are provided herein as examples. Figure 7A and 7B Safety enclosure 705, Figure 8A and 8B Safety enclosure 805, Figure 10 Safety enclosure 1015 and Figure 18 The safety enclosure 1895 is further shown and discussed.

[0083] The security housing 340 of the nesting member 115 may include a magnetic stripe reader 355, which reads payment instrument information from the magnetic stripe of a payment instrument, such as a payment card, in response to receiving a magnetic stripe through a slot in the nesting member 115. The security housing 340 of the nesting member 115 may include an IC chip reader 360, such as an EMV chip reader, which reads payment instrument information from the IC chip of the payment instrument, such as a payment card, in response to receiving an IC chip in a slot in the nesting member. The security housing 340 of the nesting member 115 may include an NFC reader 365, which wirelessly reads payment instrument information from wireless signals received from an NFC transmitter or NFC transceiver of the payment instrument. The NFC transmitter or NFC transceiver of the payment instrument may be an active NFC transmitter / transceiver or a passive NFC transmitter / transceiver.

[0084] The security enclosure 340 of the nested component 115 may include one or more processors 345, each processor being the one discussed in relation to... Figure 19 The secure enclosure 340 of the nested component 115 includes one or more memory components 350, each memory component being of the type discussed herein. Figure 19 Any type of memory related to 1920, discussed and Figure 19 Any type of high-capacity memory related to 1930, discussed and Figure 19 This refers to any type of portable storage 1940, any other type of memory or storage device discussed herein, or some combination thereof. While processor 345 and memory 350 are in Figure 3 The secure housing 340 of the nested component 115 is shown as being located within the secure housing 340, but in some cases, the nested component 115 may include one or more processors 345 and memory components 350 within the secure housing and one or more processors 345 and memory components 350 outside the secure housing. In such cases, the processors 345 and memory components 350 within the secure housing 340 can handle tasks involving tamper detection or sensitive information, such as tamper detection, storage of encryption keys, encryption of payment instrument information, reception of signatures or PIN codes or biometric data or other sensitive information via interface 370 or sensor 385, output of sensitive data via audio component 387, etc. The processors 345 and memory components 350 outside the secure housing 340 can handle tasks not involving unencrypted sensitive information, such as receipt generation, activation of electromagnets 210 / 215, management of connections between connectors 145 and 165, etc.

[0085] In some cases, once the payment instrument information is read by one or more readers 355 / 360 / 365 but before it is sent to mobile communication device 105 and / or payment processing server, processor 345 can execute instructions stored in memory 350 to encrypt the payment instrument information. That is, once encrypted, the payment instrument information can be sent to the payment processing server via wireless transceiver 380 of nested component 115, or via connectors 145 and 165 to mobile computing device 105, and mobile computing device 105 can subsequently send the payment instrument information to the payment processing server via wireless transceiver 325 of mobile computing device 105. In some cases, once a payment transaction is processed, such as once funds (in the payment amount) are transferred from an account associated with the customer to an account associated with the merchant, one or more wireless transceivers 325 or 380 can receive confirmation from the payment processing server. If confirmation is received at one or more wireless transceivers 325, mobile computing device 105 can also notify POS terminal device 110 that confirmation has been received, for example, by forwarding the confirmation to POS terminal device 110.

[0086] The security enclosure 340 of the nesting component 115 may include a touch and / or button interface 370, which may include, for example, a touch screen, touchpad, keyboard, keypad, mouse, selection buttons aligned with GUI elements displayed on the display 315, and so on. Figure 19 Any other input device 1960, or some combination thereof. The touch and / or button interface 370 of the nested component 115 can be used to input sensitive information, such as a PIN code, customer identification information, merchant identification information, or customer signature. The secure housing 340 of the nested component 115 may include one or more biometric sensors 385, which may include a fingerprint scanner, iris scanner, facial scanner, palm print scanner, microphone with voice recognition, or a combination thereof. The biometric sensor 385 can be used to authenticate customer identity, for example, in place of a signature or PIN, and / or can be used to authenticate merchant identity, for example, to authorize purchases, discounts, or returns.

[0087] The security enclosure 340 of the nesting component 115 may include one or more wireless transceivers 380, which may include one or more 802.11 Wi-Fi transceivers, wireless local area network (WLAN) transceivers, 3G / 4G / LTE / 5G cellular network transceivers, Bluetooth transceivers, NFC transceivers, RFID transceivers, and the aforementioned transceivers. Figure 19 The input device of 1960 is any type of wireless transceiver, and the discussion is related to Figure 19The output device 380 may be any type of wireless transceiver related to 1950, any other type of wireless transceiver discussed herein, or some combination thereof. In some cases, one or more wireless transceivers 380 may be used to transmit payment instrument information to a payment processing server, optionally together with the payment amount, customer identification information enabling the payment processing server to identify the account associated with the customer, and merchant identification information enabling the payment processing server to identify the account associated with the merchant. In some cases, once a payment transaction has been processed, such as once funds (in the payment amount) have been transferred from the account associated with the customer to the account associated with the merchant, one or more wireless transceivers 380 may then receive confirmation from the payment processing server.

[0088] The nesting component 115 may also include one or more batteries 390 that can supply power to other components of the POS terminal device 110 and optionally supply power to the mobile computing device 105 via connectors 145 and 165. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile computing device 105 may supply power to one or more batteries 390 and / or other components of the POS terminal device 110 via connectors 165 and 145. In some cases, the nesting component 115 may not have a battery 390, and its components may be exclusively powered by the mobile computing device 105 via connectors 165 and 145. For example, the mobile computing device 105 may supply power to the POS terminal device 110 when a payment instrument reader should be activated. In some cases, the nesting component 115 may use the battery 390 to keep the tamper detection circuit 375 active, while the payment instrument reader is activated only when the mobile computing device 105 is connected and / or supplied with power via connectors 145 / 165. In some cases, the nesting component 115 can use battery 390 to stabilize the power supply to the payment instrument reader and prevent problems related to power outages or interruptions. Although one or more batteries 390... Figure 3 The exterior of the security housing 340 within the nested component 115 is shown, but in some cases, at least one of the one or more batteries 390 may be located within the security housing 340, for example to prevent a malicious party from disconnecting the tamper detection circuit 375 from the power supply as a means of tampering.

[0089] Nesting 115 may also include one or more audio components 387, such as a 3.5mm headphone jack, a 2.5mm headphone jack, a USB audio connector, an Apple Lightning audio connector, a Bluetooth wireless audio connector, another type of wired and / or wireless audio connector, a speaker, or some combination thereof. Audio components 387 can be used to read information aloud to customers or merchants with disabilities such as blindness or other visual impairments via a speaker of audio component 387 or via headphones connected to audio component 387 in a wired and / or wireless manner. The information read aloud may include, for example, instructions for interacting with the user interface of POS terminal device 110 for the customer or merchant section for transactions. In some cases, at least some circuitry associated with one or more audio components 387 may be located within the secure enclosure 340, because some of the information read to the customer via audio component 387 may be sensitive information, such as payment card numbers, customer identification information, PIN codes, etc. Optional accessory devices 389 are shown as connected to... Figure 3 The audio component 387 is included. The accessory device 389 may include a pair of headphones as described above.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, accessory device 389 may include peripheral devices other than a pair of headphones, such as a card reader or other type of transaction object reader, barcode scanner, scale, cash drawer, keyboard, keypad, mouse, printer, or some combination thereof. While accessory device 389 can be connected to POS terminal device 110 via connection to audio component 387, alternatively or additionally, accessory device 389 can be connected to POS terminal device 110 via peripheral connector 383 separate from audio component 387 and / or wireless transceiver 380 separate from audio component 387. Peripheral connector 383 may include one or more ports, one or more plugs, one or more wired or wireless receivers, one or more wired or wireless transmitters, one or more wired or wireless transceivers, or some combination thereof, such as in a hub. Peripheral connector 383 may include one or more of any wired or wireless connectors of any type discussed in relation to output device 1950, input device 1960, or otherwise mentioned herein, to which accessory device 389 may connect. For example, peripheral connector 383 may include one or more USB ports, and accessory device 389 may be connected to these ports via a USB plug or USB cable. Although in Figure 3Only one accessory device 389 is shown, but multiple accessory devices 389 can be connected to the POS terminal device 110. In some cases, one or more accessory devices 389 can be connected to the wireless transceiver 380 of the POS terminal device 110, one or more accessory devices 389 can be connected to the audio component 387 of the POS terminal device 110, and / or one or more accessory devices 389 can be connected to the peripheral connector 383 of the POS terminal device 110. Although the audio component 387, peripheral connector 383, and wireless transceiver 380 are all shown as being housed within the secure enclosure 340, in some cases, one or more of these may be outside the secure enclosure 340. In fact, in some cases, other components shown inside the secure enclosure 340 may be outside the secure enclosure 340, and / or components shown outside the secure enclosure 340 may be inside the secure enclosure 340.

[0091] The nesting component 115 may also include a printer 395, which can be used to print a receipt during or after a transaction has been processed. The receipt may identify the price, subtotal, total, any taxes and / or fees and / or tips and / or severance pay, any coupons or discounts, or other applicable promotions for each individual item or service purchased by the customer from the merchant. The receipt may be generated by the processor 305 of the mobile computing device 105, the processor 345 of the nesting component 115 of the POS terminal device 110, or some combination thereof. In some cases, instead of sending to the printer 395 for printing, or in addition to sending to the printer 395 for printing, the receipt may be sent via email, SMS, and / or electronic messaging services to the account and / or device associated with the customer.

[0092] Figure 4A A perspective view of the latches of the frame of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device is shown.

[0093] exist Figure 4A The latch 135 shown includes two circular holes on both sides, into which a cylindrical pin 430 can be inserted, allowing the latch 135 to be... Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 4E The movement is shown. The pin may include a ball spring plunger, such as a pogo pin. Pin 430 may also be inserted into the wall of frame 130 surrounding latch 135, for example, into a pin groove 425 within the wall of frame 130, such as... Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 4E As shown. Two smaller circular holes are also shown on either side of the latch 135—these engage with protrusions in the wall of the frame, which fit precisely into the holes and cause the latch to remain in certain positions, such as... Figure 4CLock position, Figure 4D The unlock location, or Figure 4E The location for receiving / popping up.

[0094] The latch 135 may include a clamp portion 405 configured to hold a portion of the mobile computing device 105. The clamp 405 may include two parallel surfaces. Figure 4A The thickness of the mobile computing device 105 can be fitted between the "top" and "bottom" surfaces, and the wall surface (in the context of the "top" and "bottom" surfaces). Figure 4A The "left" surface of the wall is perpendicular to the two parallel surfaces against which the mobile computing device 105 can abut. The latch 135 can be customized for a particular mobile device 105 such that the thickness of the clamp 405—that is, the distance between the parallel surfaces of the clamp 405, or the length of the vertical surface of the clamp 405—corresponds to the thickness of the mobile computing device 105, which is determined either presently or absently depending on how the vendor intends to use the mobile computing device 105.

[0095] In some cases, screws or pins 460 can also be inserted into latch 136, such as Figure 4A As shown by the solid arrow in the image. This screw helps to secure latch 136 in a specific location, such as... Figure 4C The locking position within. The screw / pin 460 can also be used with... Figure 14 Pin 1450 has the same function, and screw / pin 460 can be inserted into the port of mobile computing device 105 or other recesses in the side surface of mobile computing device 105 to help secure mobile computing device 105 in the proper position in cavity 140.

[0096] Figure 4B A side view of the latch of the frame of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device is shown.

[0097] from Figure 4B The side view shows that pin 430 has been inserted as shown. Figure 4A The latch portion 405 is located in a circular hole in the latch 135 and extends partially from the side of the latch 135. Figure 4B The smaller circular hole in the side of latch 135 is visible again. Figure 4B The price is also visible below 430.

[0098] Figure 4C A side view shows the latch of the frame of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device securing the mobile computing device in the locked position.

[0099] The pin 430 of the latch 135 is inserted into a pin groove 425 within the wall of the frame 130, the wall of the frame 130 being adjacent to the side of the latch 135. The pin groove 425 is wide enough (in...) Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 4E (in the vertical direction) to fit the diameter of pin 430, and thus allow latch 135 to rotate about pin 430, as in Figure 4E The receiving / ejecting position of latch 135 is visible. Because pin slot 425 is also longer in diameter than pin 430 (in... Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 4E In the horizontal direction, pin 430 can slide laterally along the length of pin groove 425, allowing the entire latch 135 to slide laterally within the latch sleeve 420 of frame 130. When latch 135 is in Figure 4C In the locked position shown, the pin 430 of the latch 135 is positioned as far forward as possible (towards the mobile computing device 105) within the pin groove 420.

[0100] The latch sleeve 420 is a structure forming part of the frame 430 as a "base" or "platform" on which the bottom of the latch 135 can rest, and which can slide along during translational or rotational movements, and in some cases limits the range of movement of the latch 135. For example, the structure of the latch sleeve 420 allows the latch 135 to slide as... Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 4E The visible, limited range of motion is used for translational lateral sliding. Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 4E (left and right in the middle), and allow latch 135 to rotate within a defined range of rotation and only when latch 135 is laterally positioned as such Figure 4C In certain locations visible in the frame 430, although the latch sleeve 420 is referred to as part of the frame 430, in some cases it may actually be part of the surface 205 of the bracket 120. In some cases, the latch sleeve 420 may consist of a part of the frame 430 and a part of the surface 205.

[0101] The latch 405 of the latch 135 is shown clamping the movable computing device 105 by means of the thickness of the movable computing device 105. Therefore, the movable computing device 105 is fixed to the cavity 140 (surface 205) and the frame 130, while the latch 135 is positioned as follows: Figure 4C The latch 135 is in the locked position shown. Figure 4CIn the locked position shown, the mobile computing device 105 cannot be easily separated from the cavity 140 (surface 205) and the frame 130. In some cases, connectors 165 and 145 are connected on the opposite side of the mobile computing device 105, rather than the side clamped and secured by latch 135. The connection between connectors 145 and 165 can additionally secure that side of the mobile computing device 105 to the frame 130 (or connector 145). In some cases, connectors 145 and 165 can be located on the same side of the mobile computing device 105 clamped and secured by latch 135, and in some cases, connector 145 can even pass through a portion of latch 135, such as by... Figure 4A The rectangular hole at the bottom of the latch 135 is visible.

[0102] Screw / Pin 460 Figure 4C The screw / pin 460, also shown as a thin rod, inserts into the latch 135 when the latch 135 is in the locked position and into a port or recess within the mobile computing device 105. The screw / pin 460 prevents rotation and / or lateral movement of the latch 135 during insertion or tightening. In some cases, the screw / pin 460 may also pass through at least a portion of the latch sheath 420 of the frame 130 and / or bracket 120 when inserted.

[0103] Figure 4D A side view shows the latch of the frame of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device supporting a mobile computing device in the unlocked position.

[0104] When latch 135 is in Figure 4D In the unlocked position, the pin 430 of the latch 135 is laterally positioned approximately in the middle of the pin slot 420. In the unlocked position, the latch 135 as a whole moves laterally away from the mobile computing device 105 relative to the locked position and no longer clamps the mobile computing device 105. Therefore, when the latch 135 is in the unlocked position, the mobile computing device 105 is not securely fixed to the cavity 140 (surface 205) and the frame 130. However, in some cases, when the latch 135 is in the unlocked position, it may still be difficult to insert the mobile computing device 105 into the cavity 140 because there may still not be enough space to connect connectors 145 and 165. Similarly, in some cases, when the latch 135 is in the unlocked position, it may still be difficult to eject the mobile computing device 105 from the cavity 140 because there may still not be enough space to disconnect connectors 145 and 165.

[0105] Figure 4E A side view shows the latch of the frame of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device in the receive / pop position.

[0106] When latch 135 is in Figure 4EWhen in the received / ejected position as shown, the pin 430 of latch 135 is laterally positioned within the pin slot 420 as far back as possible (away from the mobile computing device 105). Latch 135 is also... Figure 4E The indicated receive / eject position rotates about pin 430 from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. The combination of translational movement away from the mobile computing device 105 and rotation away from the surface 205 can help the user insert the mobile computing device 105 into the cavity 140 and / or help the user eject the mobile computing device 105 from the cavity 140.

[0107] In some POS terminal devices 110, the latch 135 may not rotate, or may rotate only without any translational movement. In some POS terminal devices 110, the latch 135 may have a larger or smaller defined rotation range, such as from 0 degrees to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150 degrees, 160 degrees, 170 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, 315 degrees, or 360 degrees. Although in Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 4E The latch 135 within the latch sleeve 420 shown can only rotate when the latch 135 is in or near the receive / eject position due to a barrier near the rear of the sleeve 420. However, some latch sleeves 420 may not have such a barrier and allow rotation in any lateral position, or rotation may be restricted to other lateral positions besides the receive / eject position.

[0108] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device with a removable frame.

[0109] Figure 5 Operation 500 is performed by the POS terminal device 110. In step 505, the POS terminal device 110 secures the frame 130 to the housing of the POS terminal device 110. The frame 130 can be secured to the surface 205 of the bracket 120 portion of the housing of the POS terminal device 110, for example, as... Figure 1A and 1B As shown. The frame 130 can be fixed to the housing of the POS terminal device 130 using magnet 210, as... Figure 2 As shown and about Figure 2 As discussed. Alternatively or additionally, frame 130 may use latches, hooks, adhesives, screws and / or the aforementioned... Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2Any other related mechanism is fixed to the housing of the POS terminal device 130. If the magnet 210 includes an electromagnet, the POS terminal device 110 can partially fix the frame 130 to the housing of the POS terminal device 110 by activating the electromagnet in the magnet 210.

[0110] In step 510, the POS terminal device 110 initiates an electrical connection between the mobile computing device 105 and the POS terminal device 110 in response to an electrical contact between connector 165 of the mobile computing device 105 and connector 145 of the POS terminal device 110. In some cases, connectors 145 and 165 may be USB micro connectors, USB-C connectors, or Apple Lightning connectors. The electrical connection between connectors 145 and 165 can transmit data, power, or both. The electrical connection between connectors 145 and 165 can transmit any combination of data and / or power from the mobile computing device 105 to the POS terminal device 110, from the POS terminal device 110 to the mobile computing device 105, or both.

[0111] In step 515, the POS terminal device 110 secures the mobile computing device 105 to the POS terminal device 110 at least using a frame 130 (optionally, the housing of the POS terminal device 110). The POS terminal device 110 may secure the mobile computing device 105 to the POS terminal device 110 simply by using the frame 130 to hold the mobile computing device 105 against the mobile computing device 105 when it is inserted into the cavity 140. The POS terminal device 110 may also secure the mobile computing device 105 to the POS terminal device 110 via a latch 135, for example... Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 14 As shown. Figure 2 As shown, the POS terminal device 110 can secure the mobile computing device 105 to the POS terminal device 110 via one or more magnets 215. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile computing device 105 may use latches, hooks, adhesives, screws, and / or the aforementioned methods. Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 Any other related mechanism may be attached to the POS terminal device 130. If the magnet 215 includes an electromagnet, the POS terminal device 110 may partially attach the mobile computing device 105 to the POS terminal device 110 by activating the electromagnet of the magnet 215.

[0112] In step 520, the POS terminal device 110 reads payment instrument information from the payment instrument via a reader. The reader can be any type of payment instrument reader discussed herein, such as a magnetic stripe reader, IC chip reader, or NFC reader. The payment instrument reader can read payment instrument information in response to receiving a payment instrument in a card slot, which includes a card reader, an NFC reading area within the NFC signal range of the NFC reader, or other reading areas.

[0113] In step 525, the POS terminal device 110 sends payment instrument information to the mobile computing device 525. In some cases, the processor 345 in the secure enclosure 340 may encrypt the payment instrument information before the POS terminal device 110 sends it to the mobile computing device 105. Once the mobile computing device 105 receives the encrypted payment instrument information via connectors 145 and 165, it sends the encrypted payment instrument information to the payment processing server to process the payment.

[0114] The POS terminal device 110 may alternatively be referred to as a POS device, terminal device, merchant device, merchant POS device, or merchant terminal device. The mobile computing device 105 may alternatively be referred to as a mobile device, computing device, portable computing device, user computing device, merchant computing device, portable device, merchant device, or user device.

[0115] Figure 6A A curved near-field communication (NFC) antenna is shown.

[0116] Although traditional NFC antenna coils are planar, in Figure 6A The bent NFC coil 610 shown is bent into a convex shape (from relative to...) Figure 6A The view above the curved antenna coil 610 in the direction shown) or concave (from relative to) Figure 6A (View from below the curved antenna coil 610 in the indicated direction). The shape of this antenna coil can also be described as dome-shaped or bowl-shaped. The curved NFC antenna coil 610 ultimately produces a larger field than a planar NFC antenna coil of the same size. The curvature shape factor of the curved NFC antenna coil 610 can also be useful when used in the nesting part 115 of the POS terminal device 110, as other components can be mounted around its curve, such as... Figure 6B As shown.

[0117] Figure 6B A curved near-field communication (NFC) antenna is shown next to the payment card slot inside a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device.

[0118] One corner of the nested component 115 of the POS terminal device 110 is in Figure 6B As shown in the diagram, a curved NFC antenna coil 610 is positioned within a nest 115 near the corner. A diagonal payment card slot 620 with a magnetic stripe reader 630 "cuts" into this corner of the nest 115 midway through the "dome" height of the curved antenna coil 610. The stop wall of the payment card slot 620, along which the card slides, can be close to a portion of the dome of the curved NFC antenna coil 610 to save space. In some cases, the card slot might hit or cut into the "bottom" of the dome—the widest part in diameter—if the slot is lower relative to the height of the dome, but this is not the case because it is higher relative to the height of the dome. Thus, even when the slot 620 can overlap with a portion of the curved antenna coil 610, the diameter at the bottom of the dome can be large, and the field can be correspondingly large. Therefore, space is saved and the field strength is increased compared to existing NFC antenna coils.

[0119] Although Figure 6A and Figure 6B The curved NFC antenna coil 610 is illustrated as having a foil “dome” shape (or “bowl” shape, depending on the angle), but in other cases, the curved NFC antenna coil 610 may have a semi-dome / semi-bowl shape or a quarter-dome / quarter-bowl shape.

[0120] Figure 6C The image shows a second type of curved near-field communication (NFC) antenna next to the payment card slot in a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device.

[0121] The second type of curved NFC antenna coil 610 is deployed around a relatively flat surface, but the flat surface is curved to represent two curved "steps". The "step" shape of the curved NFC antenna coil 610 is useful because NFC antenna coils typically do not function properly when the circuit board interferes with the signal. Therefore, many components such as the circuit board (not shown in the figures) can be placed... Figure 6C The curved NFC antenna coil 610 is positioned below its higher "step" without affecting performance. From a user experience perspective, the curved NFC antenna coil 610 can bend downwards to its lower "step," located below the card slot 620, when components that do not affect performance (such as the card slot 620) are best placed as close to the user as possible. Other components (not shown in the figures), such as the circuit board, can still be present. Figure 6C Below the lower "step" of the curved NFC antenna coil 610.

[0122] Figure 7A An exploded view of the components enclosing and connecting the security enclosure to the circuit board is shown.

[0123] Figure 7A The exploded view of the components shows the circuit board 710 protected by the safety enclosure 705. The exterior of the safety enclosure 705 is... Figure 7A As shown in the diagram. Circuit board 710 can be a circuit board for reading, storing, and / or transmitting sensitive information such as encryption keys or payment instrument information. Both circuit board 710 and the interior of security housing 705 include conductive elements that carry current and together form tamper detection circuit 375. A portion of the detection circuit 375 on circuit board 710 can be connected to a portion of the tamper detection circuit 375 inside security housing 705 via one or more connector blocks 715, which may include one or more additional conductive elements themselves. In some cases, connector block 715 may be a "zebra" connector in which conductive elements and insulating (e.g., elastomer) elements alternate.

[0124] Figure 7B The interior of the security enclosure that is enclosed and connected to the circuit board is shown.

[0125] The inner surface 720 of the safety enclosure 705 includes a tamper trace 730 for varying voltages that meanders along the inner surface 720. A tamper trace is a conductor that conducts a specific voltage. Specifically, solid lines represent tamper traces conducting a first voltage, while dashed lines represent tamper traces conducting a second voltage different from the first voltage. In some cases, one of the voltages may be grounded.

[0126] Although the altered pattern of trace 730 creates a complex design, the connection itself is easier to understand. Figure 7B In the example, the dashed line representing a single tampered trace at the first voltage meanders from point 760 to point 775. The solid line representing another single tampered trace at the second voltage meanders from point 765 to point 770. Another dashed line representing another single tampered trace at the first voltage meanders from point 740 to point 755. Another solid line representing another single tampered trace at the second voltage meanders from point 766 to point 770. Points 740, 745, 750, 755, 760, 765, 770, and 775 correspond to... Figure 7AThe location of the four connector blocks 715. That is, one or more circuits are formed by tamper traces 730 and portions of a circuit board that provides a first voltage and a second voltage to those tamper traces 730 via connector blocks 715. Circuit board 710 includes one or more voltage sensors, for example, at or near its connection to connector blocks 715. When the security enclosure 705 is in a secure, tamper-free state, the voltage sensors can detect the first voltage and the second voltage, or values ​​based on these (such as the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, or vice versa, optionally amplified). If the voltage sensors detect a deviation from the expected voltage value that is greater than the tolerance (corresponding to normal slight ambient noise and varying tolerances), the tamper detection circuit 375 of circuit board 710 determines that the security enclosure 705, circuit board 710, connector blocks 715, or some combination thereof have been tampered with.

[0127] For example, if a malicious party drills through the security enclosure 705, one or more tamper traces 730 will be compromised. This will change the tamper detection circuit from an off state to an on state and modify the voltage detected at the voltage sensor, for example, by reducing the voltage to ground that is not intended to be grounded. Metal from the drill bit can also bridge two or more tamper traces 730 and create a short circuit or other unexpected connection, initiating an unexpected current, which also results in an unexpected voltage value detected at the voltage sensor. Attempting to remove the security enclosure 705 from the circuit board 710 will similarly terminate the connection between the tamper traces 730 and the circuit board 710 and similarly change the voltage detected at the voltage sensor. Allowing a conductive fluid (such as conductive ink) to flow into the security enclosure 705 will also create an unexpected connection, which will also change the voltage detected at the voltage sensor. Therefore, many different forms of tampering are detectable and many different forms of tampering can be prevented using the security enclosure 705.

[0128] Although Figure 7A Only one side of the circuit board 710 is shown in the diagram, with a safety enclosure 705 covering it; however, it should be understood that the safety enclosure 705 may be used on both sides of the circuit board 710. Similarly, it is possible to manufacture circuit boards including those with... Figure 7B The tamper trace 730 is a patterned tamper trace on the inner layer of a printed circuit board (PCB). In either case, the circuit board 710 is protected from all sides by a security enclosure 705.

[0129] Because any attempt to tamper with the secure enclosure 705 to access components within it can be detected, preventative measures can be taken if such tampering attempts, such as deleting or overwriting sensitive information, such as encryption keys and / or transaction information read from a transaction object, are detected. As a result, components within the secure enclosure 705 can securely store, transmit, or manipulate sensitive information. Furthermore, such as Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 9C , Figure 9D , Figure 9E , Figure 10 , Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figure 13A and Figure 13B The additional security measures shown can be used to further enhance tamper detection.

[0130] Figure 8A A tamper detection system is shown, in which a flexible component with conductive traces is tightly wrapped around a security element.

[0131] Specifically, Figure 8 shows a circuit board 810 with a safety component 820 above a portion of the circuit board 810. The safety component 820 may be a safety housing or a different sensitive component, such as a storage element. A flexible member 830, which may be a ribbon cable or other flexible circuitry such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC), may include tamper traces; optionally, adjacent tamper traces in the flexible member 830 may have AC voltages or voltages different from each other. The flexible member 830 tightly wraps around the safety component 820 and connects back to the circuit board at two board connectors 840. The circuit board 810 can check the voltage from the board connectors 840 to identify whether the flexible member 830 has been at least partially removed from either board connector 840, whether the flexible member 830 has been pulled out, or whether any tamper traces in the flexible member 830 have accidentally connected to each other to form a short circuit or other accidental connection, resulting in an unexpected voltage at the voltage sensor.

[0132] Figure 8B A tamper detection system is shown, in which a flexible component with conductive traces is tightly wrapped around a secure enclosure.

[0133] Flexible component 830 in Figure 8B In and in Figure 8A A similar approach is used, but in this case, the safety component 820 is the safety housing 850. Because of the use of the safety housing, the board connector 840 can be placed inside the safety housing 850, further increasing the difficulty of tampering with the flexible component 830 or its connections. If in Figure 8A or Figure 8B The flexible component 830 is tightly wrapped around the connector block 715 of the security enclosure 850 in the area where the circuit board 810 is connected to the tamper traces of the security enclosure 850. Thus, potential attackers no longer have unimpeded access to the security enclosure 850, and therefore, if they still wish to attempt to tamper with the device, there are more obstacles to overcome without being detected.

[0134] In some cases, such as Figure 8A and Figure 8B The flexible member 830 with tamper traces that tightly wraps around the security component 820 or periphery 850 can be referred to as a tamper tape 830. In some cases, the tamper detection circuit 375 includes only a limited number of tamper lines, and therefore the tamper detection features (e.g., tamper tape 830, traces 730 of the security housing 705, flexible member 905) must be daisy-chained together. In such cases, it is advantageous if two upstream lines on the same tamper detection function are not bound to two downstream elements that are also on the same component. For example, if the left connector block 715 is removed, this may result in two tamper warnings on the "Housing L+" and "Housing L-" lines. If the right connector block 715 is removed, this may result in two tamper warnings on the "Housing R+" and "Housing R-" lines. If the tamper tape 830 is removed from the connector, this may result in two tamper warnings on the "Tamper+" and "Tamper-" lines. If the housing lines and the tape lines must be daisy-chained together, for example, daisy-chaining tape + to housing L+ and tape - to housing L- can be problematic because if tampering attempts are detected on the tape + / housing L+ and tape - / housing L- lines, we don't know whether the tampered tape 830 or the left connector 715 has been removed. However, conversely, if we daisy-chain tape + to peripheral L+ and tape - to peripheral R-, then if tampering attempts are detected on both the tape + / peripheral L+ and tape - / peripheral R- lines, we know that a tampering attempt was detected at the tampered tape 830.

[0135] Figure 9A A flexible component is shown for use in a tamper detection system for detecting tampering with screws.

[0136] The flexible member 905 may be connected to a circuit board at one end (not shown), which may attempt to allow current to flow through one or more conductive traces within the flexible member 905 and may use one or more voltage sensors to monitor the voltage along the traces of the flexible member 905.

[0137] The flexible member 905 may include a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 910, which may form the top surface of the flexible member 905. The flexible member 905 may include a hole 913 (which may be referred to as an opening) through which the shank 940 of the screw 935 may pass. On the top surface of the flexible member 905, the FPC 910 may include a first exposed conductive region 920 and a second exposed conductive region 925. The first exposed conductive region 920 may be an endpoint of a first conductive trace that extends along the length of the flexible member 905 but is not exposed except in the first exposed conductive region 920. Similarly, the second exposed conductive region 925 may be an endpoint of a second conductive trace that extends along the length of the flexible member 905 but is not exposed except in the second exposed conductive region 925. If the first exposed conductive region 920 and the second exposed conductive region 925 are to be bridged, the two traces will be connected, and any circuit that is otherwise broken while the first exposed conductive region 920 and the second exposed conductive region 925 remain exposed will be closed.

[0138] Below the FPC 910, the flexible member 905 may optionally include a reinforcing rib 915 to protect portions of the flexible member 905 that contact the shank 940 of the screw 935 from damage by the screw 935. Below the FPC 910 and the reinforcing rib 915, the flexible member 905 may include an adhesive 930, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0139] Figure 9B The diagram shows a screw, a recessed housing, and a conductive washer, which are also used in tamper detection systems to detect tampering with the screw.

[0140] Figure 9B Screw 935, housing 960 and conductive washer 970 with Figure 9A The flexible component 905 is used together to form another type of tamper detection circuit 375, which ensures that the screw 935 remains screwed into the solid housing 960. The screw 935 includes a screw head 945 and a screw shank 940. The screw shank 940 may include threads 950.

[0141] The solid housing 960 may be part of the housing of the POS terminal device 110 and may include one or more solid materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, or some combination thereof. The solid housing 960 may include a recess 965 with an opening 967. At least a portion of the shank 940 of the screw 935 can be fitted into at least a portion of the recess 965 through the opening 967 in the solid housing 960. The recess 965 may include a base 955 into which the screw 935's threads 950 can be screwed or threaded. Figure 9BThe conductive washer 970 shown is a washer made of a conductive material such as metal, and has a hole (which may be referred to as an opening) through which the shank 940 of a screw 935 can pass. The hole may be located in the center of the conductive washer 970. The conductive washer 970 may also include a layer of adhesive 975, such as pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), on one side. Figure 9C , Figure 9D ,and Figure 9E As further shown. In some cases, the conductive washer 970 may be or include a bolt or washer. In some cases, the conductive washer 970 may be metallic.

[0142] Figure 9C An exploded side view of the components of a tamper detection system for detecting screw tampering is shown.

[0143] The rod 940 of screw 935 is partially inserted into Figure 9C The screw 935 is recessed in the recess 965. The shank 940 of the screw 935 also passes through the opening in the conductive washer 970 and through the opening in the flexible member 905. The flexible member 905 is positioned adjacent to the head 945 of the screw 935, with the adhesive 930 of the flexible member 905 facing the head 945 and two exposed conductive areas 920 / 925 facing away from the head 945 and toward the conductive washer 970 and the solid housing 960. The conductive washer 970 is positioned between the flexible member 905 and the solid housing 960, with the adhesive 975 of the conductive washer 970 facing the solid housing 960, while the conductive side of the conductive washer 970 (the side without adhesive 975) faces the flexible member 905.

[0144] Figure 9D It shows Figure 9C A side view of the tamper detection system in a secure state.

[0145] Figure 9D The system and Figure 9C The system is the same, but the screw 935 is screwed into the recess 965 as much as possible, thereby compressing the flexible member 905 and the conductive washer 970 between the head 945 of the screw 930 and the solid housing 960. In this secure, tamper-proof state, the conductive side of the conductive washer 970 contacts the two exposed conductive areas 920 and 925 of the flexible member 905, thereby closing the circuit formed by the traces of the flexible member 905. The circuit board to which the flexible member is connected can determine that the circuit is closed by one or more voltage sensors.

[0146] Adhesive 975 secures or adheres conductive washer 970 to at least a portion of the solid housing 960 (e.g., the portion around or near opening 967), while adhesive 930 of flexible member 905 secures or adheres flexible member 905 to the head 945 of screw 935. Therefore, if a malicious party attempts to unscrew screw 935 from recess 965 in housing 960, conductive washer 970 will remain adhered to the solid housing, and flexible member 905 will remain adhered to the head 945 of screw 935. Consequently, conductive washer 970 will no longer contact the two exposed conductive areas 920 and 925 of flexible member 905, and the circuit will change from closed to open. The circuit board to which flexible member 905 is connected will be able to determine that the circuit is now open via one or more voltage sensors, and it can be determined that POS terminal device 110 has been tampered with. In some cases, flexible member 905 can be connected via board connectors (such as...) within a secure housing. Figure 8B The board connector 840 is connected to the circuit board.

[0147] Figure 9E A second solid housing element is shown. Figure 9D A side view of the tamper detection system.

[0148] Figure 9E The tamper detection system also includes a second solid housing element 980 between the conductive washer 970 and the head 945 of the screw 935. The second solid housing element 980 may include one or more solid materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, or some combination thereof. The second solid housing element 980 may include one or more of the same solid materials as those included in the solid housing 960 and / or may include one or more solid materials different from those included in the solid housing 960. The second solid housing element 980 may include a hole through which the shank 940 of the screw 935 can pass.

[0149] When screwed into the recess 965, the screw 935 thus serves to secure the solid housing 960 to the second solid housing element 980. The adhesive 930 of the conductive washer 970 can adhere to... Figure 9E The second solid housing element 980 is not adhered to the inner surface. Figure 9D The screw 935 has a head 945. An additional adhesive layer 985, which may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), may also be included to adhere the second solid housing element to the head 945 of the screw 935.

[0150] Alternatively, Figure 9E Another arrangement of the system is to place the second solid housing element 980 between the solid housing 960 and the conductive washer 970. In this case, as... Figure 9D and Figure 9EAs shown, instead of bonding the top of the conductive washer 970 to the solid housing 960, adhesive 975 can bond the top of the conductive washer 970 to the second solid housing element 980, and adhesive 985 can be positioned between the second solid housing element 980 and the solid housing 960 to adhere the second solid housing element 980 to the solid housing 960.

[0151] In some cases, Figures 9B-9E The 930 screw can be replaced by nails, rivets, hooks, wooden pegs, posts, or other types of fasteners. In some cases, one or more bolts, washers, gaskets, or combinations thereof can be added. Figures 9C-9E Between the components shown.

[0152] Although Figures 9C-9E A conductive washer 970 is shown above the flexible member 905—that is, the conductive washer 970 is closer to the solid housing 960 while the flexible member 905 is closer to the head 945 of the screw 935—these positions can be interchanged. Therefore, in an alternative embodiment, the conductive washer 970 may be secured or adhered to the head 945 of the screw 935, while the flexible member 905 is secured or adhered to at least a portion of the solid housing 960, with two exposed conductive areas 920 and 925 facing the conductive washer 970.

[0153] In some cases, the conductive washer 970 can be omitted entirely. Alternatively, the flexible member 905 can be secured or adhered to at least a portion of the solid housing 960, with two exposed conductive regions 920 and 925 facing the head 945 of the screw 935. The head 945 of the screw 935 can be conductive (e.g., metallic), and when the screw 935 is screwed into the recess 965, the circuit can be closed by forming an electrical connection bridging the first exposed conductive region 920 and the second exposed conductive region 935. Alternatively, the flexible member 905 can be secured or adhered to at least a portion of the head 945 of the screw 935, with the two exposed conductive regions 920 and 925 facing the solid housing 960, and the solid housing 960 can include a conductive (e.g., metallic) region around or adjacent to the opening 967, such that when the screw 935 is screwed into the recess 965, this conductive region of the solid housing 960 closes the circuit by forming an electrical connection bridging the first exposed conductive region 920 and the second exposed conductive region 935. The conductive areas of the solid housing 960 may include threaded inserts and, in some cases, may also be conductive via the lower portion 955 and / or the shank 940 of the screw 935. Alternatively, with the exposed conductive areas 920 and 925 facing the second solid housing element 980, the second solid housing element 980 may include conductive (e.g., metallic) areas around or adjacent to its holes, such that when the screw 935 is screwed into the recess 965, the second solid housing element 980 closes the circuit by forming an electrical connection bridging the first exposed conductive area 920 and the second exposed conductive area 935.

[0154] Although the flexible member 905 is shown as having a circular hole 913, with a first exposed conductive region 920 and a second exposed conductive region 925 adjacent to the hole 913, the hole 913 can have different shapes, and in some cases, the flexible member 905 does not need to have a hole 913 at all. For example, the flexible member 905 can have two “points” with an opening arranged between them, such as in a “U” or “V” shape, through which the shank 940 of the screw passes. When the screw 935 is screwed into the recess 965, the point itself is pressed against the conductive washer 970 and / or the solid housing 960 and / or the second solid housing element 980 by the head 945 of the screw 935. Alternatively, the flexible member 905 without the hole 913 may have only a portion of one or more sides of the bar 940 arranged adjacent to the screw 945, such that when the screw 935 is screwed into the recess 965, the head 945 of the screw 935 presses the portion of the flexible member 905 adjacent to the bar 940 against the conductive washer 970 and / or the solid housing 960 and / or the second solid housing element 980. Alternatively, the conductive washer 970 and / or the second solid housing element 980 need not have a circular hole as shown and described herein, but may have holes of other shapes, or alternatively have a forked “U” or “V” shape, or may have no hole, but instead have only a portion adjacent to the shank 940 of the screw 935 so that when the screw 935 is screwed into the recess 965, the head 945 of the screw 935 presses that portion against other elements (e.g., flexible member 905, solid housing 960, conductive washer 970, and / or second solid housing element 980).

[0155] Figure 10 A tamper detection system is shown, in which one or more flexible members with conductive traces bridge two circuit boards.

[0156] Figure 10 The diagram shows a first circuit board 1005 and a second circuit board 1010. The second circuit board 1010 includes a secure housing 1015. The first circuit board 1005 and the second circuit board 1010 are interconnected via a first flexible member 1020 and a second flexible member 1025. Both the first flexible member 1020 and the second flexible member 1025 include tamper traces with different voltages. A tamper detection circuit 375 within the secure housing 1015 monitors one or more voltages in each tamper trace in the first flexible member 1020 and the second flexible member 1025 to identify tampering by detecting unexpected voltages. Because the first board is tightly attached to the secure housing 1015 and cannot be undetectably removed from the secure housing 1015, a potential attacker can no longer gain unimpeded access to the secure housing 1015.

[0157] Although the two flexible members 1020 and 1025 are shown as considerably long and having a considerable number of slack portions, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only to make the figure easier to interpret. In some embodiments, the first flexible member 1020 and the second flexible member 1025 are much shorter, for example, short enough that the first circuit board and the security enclosure must contact each other, or must be within millimeters of each other, so that the two flexible members 1020 and 1025 maintain their connection to the boards 1005 and 1010. Therefore, the first circuit board 1005 and the two (or more) flexible members 1020 and 1025 prevent access to the security enclosure 1015, and potential attackers have no space to insert any drill bits or other tools above or around the security enclosure 1015, improving security and tamper detection capabilities. In some cases, such as Figure 10 One or more flexible members 1020 and 1025 bridging different circuit boards can be used with, for example, Figure 8A and Figure 8B One or more flexible members 830 on one or more circuit boards of the safety enclosure and / or other safety components are used in combination to provide additional protection for the safety enclosure or other safety components.

[0158] Although only two flexible members, 1020 and 1025, are shown, more flexible members can be used. In particular, Figure 10 A first flexible member 1020 is shown on the "bottom" side of the enclosure 1015, and a second flexible member 1025 is shown on the "right" side of the enclosure 1015. In some cases, a third flexible member may be attached to the "left" side of the enclosure 1015, and / or a fourth flexible member may be attached to the "top" side of the enclosure 1015.

[0159] Some flexible components, such as the first flexible component 1020, may include data traces for transmitting data and / or power traces for transmitting power, as well as tamper traces. In such cases, positioning the tamper trace primarily at the center of the flexible component, for example at the prominent central trace 1030 and / or nearby traces, provides the additional benefit of making it more difficult for a malicious party to specifically manipulate the tamper trace compared to the power or data traces. Keeping the tamper trace at the center of the flexible component by modifying the voltage of the tamper trace in a manner detectable by a voltage sensor in the containment 1015 also allows nearby power and data traces to be used as tamper traces.

[0160] Figure 11A A chip card reader device with reader circuitry on both sides of the slot is shown.

[0161] Figure 11AThe payment card 1105 includes an IC chip 1110 and is inserted into a slot 1115. The slot includes a first chip card reader 1120 on one side of the slot 1115 and a second chip card reader on the other side of the slot 1115. Therefore, regardless of how the card 1105 is inserted into the slot 1115—whether the chip faces one direction or the other—payment instrument data will be read from the IC chip 1110 of the card 1105.

[0162] In some cases, Figure 11A One or both of the chip card readers can be circuitry along the flexible component wrapping around slot 1115, such as... Figure 8A and Figure 8B The flexible component 830. For example, the flexible component may include tamper traces, as well as data traces (for transmitting payment instrument data) and power traces (for powering the reader). Therefore, Figure 11A The system offers convenience and ease of use to customers who can insert cards in both directions, as well as increased security and tamper detection capabilities.

[0163] Figure 11B The diagram shows a chip card reader device with reader circuitry on both sides of the slot.

[0164] The first chip card reader 1120 and the second chip card reader 1125 include many of the same components. These include a common collector (Vcc), a programming power supply (Vpp), and a ground voltage; a rest line; a clock line; and input / output (I / O) lines; optionally, lines reserved for future use (RFU); and a card detection mechanism that detects the presence of the IC chip 1110 as early as possible when the card 1105 enters the slot 1115, to begin preparing the reader components for reading before the IC chip reaches the reader 1120 or 1125. For example, the card detection mechanism can operate by pressing a mechanical switch or momentary button on the card 1105, or by closing a broken circuit in the slot 1115 through the conductive material of the IC chip (e.g., two conductive tips from the broken circuit can extend to the intended position of the IC chip in the slot 1115). In some cases, Figure 11A and Figure 11B One or two IC chip readers can omit the card detection mechanism.

[0165] Figure 12A A tamper detection system with a secure housing and circuit board is shown.

[0166] Figure 12AThe tamper detection system is used to detect separation between objects (here labeled as housing 1205 and circuit board 1210). Circuit board 1210 includes board conductive elements 1225, which can actually include two exposed conductive areas that, together with the circuitry on circuit board 1210, form a structure similar to... Figure 9A The flexible member 905 has two exposed conductive areas 920 and 925 that are open-circuited. The housing 1205 is coupled to the housing conductive element 1220 of the closed circuit, for example, via a wire, rope, or chain 1240. This is a secure, tamper-proof state. The circuit board 1210 may include one or more voltage sensors that can determine the circuit is closed based on one or more detected voltages, thus determining that the system (housing 1205 and circuit board 1210) has not been tampered with. In some cases, the wire / rope / chain 1240 is also conductive and part of the circuit, such that cutting the wire / rope / chain 1240 breaks the circuit and generates a voltage change detectable by one or more voltage sensors, ultimately being detected as a tampering attempt. In some cases, alternatively, the wire / rope / chain 1240 may be similar to... Figure 13A and Figure 13B The rigid post or rib of the push rib 1315, the housing conductive element 1220 is attached to the end of the post / rib.

[0167] Figure 12B This shows the state under insecure tampering. Figure 12A The tamper detection system has a casing that is separate from the circuit board.

[0168] Compared to Figure 12A The outer casing 1205 has been lifted out of the safe condition. Figure 12B The circuit board 1210 is located in the case of the housing 1205. Lifting the housing 1205 causes the housing conductive element 1220 to rise upwards and move away from the board conductive element 1225, where it is pulled away by the wire / rope / chain 1240, disconnecting the circuit. The circuit board 1210 may include one or more voltage sensors that can determine that the circuit has been disconnected based on one or more detected voltages, thereby determining that the system (housing 1205 and circuit board 1210) has been tampered with.

[0169] Figure 13A A tamper detection system in a secure state is shown, in which the tampering spring is compressed.

[0170] Figure 13A The housing 1305 includes a push rib 1315 that pushes a compressible or uncompressible tamper spring 1330. The tamper spring 1330 is made of a conductive material and Figure 13AThe circuit is compressed and, in doing so, comes into contact with multiple centrally located board conductive elements 1320, connecting them to two additional board conductive elements 1320 to complete the circuit. This is a secure, tamper-proof state. The circuit board 1310 may include one or more voltage sensors that can determine that the circuit is closed based on one or more detected voltages, thereby confirming that the system (housing 1305 and circuit board 1310) has not been tampered with.

[0171] Figure 13B This shows a state of insecure tampering. Figure 13A The tamper detection system, in which the tampered fragments were not compressed.

[0172] Compared to Figure 12A The outer casing 1305 has been removed from the safe condition. Figure 12B The circuit board 1310 is located in the center. Lifting the housing 1305 causes the push rib 1315 to stop pushing the tamper spring 1330, thus causing the tamper spring 1330 to depressurize and lift upward and away from the central plate conductive element 1220, disconnecting the circuit. The circuit board 1310 may include one or more voltage sensors that can determine that the circuit has been disconnected based on one or more detected voltages, and thus determine that the system (housing 1305 and circuit board 1310) has been tampered with.

[0173] In some cases, such as Figure 13A and Figure 13B The tampering shrapnel system in the middle can be combined with Figure 12A and Figure 12B The conductive element system is used in combination in the same device, such as POS terminal device 110.

[0174] Figure 14 The diagram shows a point-of-sale (POS) terminal rotating around a base along various axes.

[0175] Specifically, the POS terminal device 110 includes a frame 130A fixed to the surface 205, and a mobile computing device 105A included within the cavity 140 and fixed by a latch 135 of the frame 130A.

[0176] The POS terminal device 110 can rotate about several axes around its base 150. The POS terminal device 110 can rotate about a vertical Y-axis 1415, for example, performing a counter-clockwise rotation 1410 about the Y-axis 1415 as shown, or a counter-clockwise rotation about the Y-axis 1415. The rotation 1410 about the Y-axis 1415 can be used to rotate the POS terminal device 110 between facing the merchant (merchant location) and facing the customer (customer location).

[0177] The POS terminal device 110 can rotate about a horizontal X-axis 1425, for example, by performing an upward rotation 1420 about the X-axis 1425 as shown, or the opposite downward rotation about the X-axis 1425. The rotation 1420 about the X-axis 1425 can be used to tilt the bracket 120 and the nesting piece 115 upward or downward to adjust for users of different heights.

[0178] POS terminal device 110 can be surrounded by Figure 14 The paper extends from the Z-axis 1435 and rotates, for example, by performing a counterclockwise rotation 1430 around the Z-axis 1435 as shown, or a counterclockwise rotation around the Z-axis 1435. The rotation 1430 around the Z-axis 1435 can be used to rotate the POS terminal device 110 so that the nesting piece 115 is positioned above the bracket 120, or to the left of the bracket 120, or below the bracket 120, rather than to the right of the bracket 120.

[0179] In some cases, rotations around all three axes, or even additional diagonal axes between these three axes, can be used in combination.

[0180] Sales of 1450 are also available. Figure 14 The port or other opening is shown as passing through the opening in frame 130 and entering the mobile computing device 105A. If the mobile computing device 105 includes an audio jack or other ports not used by the POS terminal device 110, pins 1450 or screws can be inserted to help secure the mobile computing device 105 in the proper position within the POS terminal device 110.

[0181] The headphone jack 1480 and USB port 1485 are also shown. Figure 14 In the nested component 115. The headphone jack 1480 can be... Figure 3 Audio components 387 and / or Figure 3 Example of peripheral connector 383. USB port 1485 can also be... Figure 3 Peripheral connector 383 and / or Figure 3 Example of audio component 387.

[0182] In some cases, the base 150 of the POS terminal device 110 can be detached from the housing of the POS terminal device 110 (e.g., bracket 120 and nesting member 115) and carried as a handheld device or reinstalled to a different base 150. In such cases, the base 150 can be attached to the rest of the POS terminal device 110 by one or more screws and / or pins, which can be used similarly to screws / pins 460 and / or pins 1450. Different styles of bases 150 can be provided, such as a low base whose height is suitable for user use when the POS terminal device 110 is on a table or countertop, a medium base whose height is suitable for user use when the POS terminal device 110 is standing on the floor and the user is seated, and a high base 150 whose height is suitable for user use when the POS terminal device 110 is standing on the floor and the user is standing. In some cases, some bases can enable or disable rotation of the housing of the POS terminal device 110 about one or more of axes 1415, 1425, and / or 1435 around the base 150. In some cases, the base 150 may be wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted instead of a bracket, and still allow the housing to rotate around one or more of axes 1415, 1425, and / or 1435. In some cases, the cable (discussed with...) Figure 19 Input devices 1950 and / or output devices 1960 (any type) can pass through base 150, including via one or more power and / or data cables. Such cables can be used as... Figure 16A and / or Figure 16B The shown and discussed are related to Figure 16A and / or Figure 16B The relevant seals prevent liquid ingress. Such cables can lead to the nest 115, for example, to power components of the nest 115 and / or charge the battery of the nest 115. Alternatively or additionally, such cables can lead to the mobile computing device 105, for example, to power components of the mobile computing device 105 and / or charge the battery of the mobile computing device 105. In some cases, such cables can pass through one or more hinges, bearings, or joints. In some cases, such cables can be inserted into ports in hinges, bearings, or joints, with power and / or data transmitted across the port via a backup power and / or data transmission device (such as a ribbon cable, FPC, inductive power, NFC, RFID, wireless transceiver, or other structure).

[0183] Figure 15A The image shows a base using a magnetic damper around which the point-of-sale (POS) terminal device can rotate.

[0184] A base 150 is shown. The base 150 includes a rotating foot 1505 and a frame 1525. Rotation 1410 about a Y-axis 1415 can be performed by rotating the foot 1505 about the frame 1525. The frame 1525 includes two frame magnets 1510 and 1515. The foot 1505 includes a foot magnet 1520, which can be attracted to either of the two frame magnets 1510 and 1515 depending on the foot's rotational position about the frame 1525. For example, when the POS terminal device 110 is rotated to or near a customer position, the foot magnet 1520 can be attracted to the frame magnet 1510, while when the POS terminal device 110 is rotated to or near a merchant position, the foot magnet 1520 can be attracted to the frame magnet 1515. When the device is already in the customer or merchant position, the attraction can increase the damping effect on the user's attempt to rotate the device, because the attraction pulls the foot 1505 back to these positions. Therefore, the POS terminal device 110 requires the user to apply a slightly greater force to rotate the POS terminal device 110 away from the customer or merchant position compared to the force that the user must apply to rotate the POS terminal device 110 when it is in another position.

[0185] Figure 15B The image shows a base using a spring-based damper around which the point-of-sale (POS) terminal device can rotate.

[0186] The spring 1530, along with components such as the cam follower 1540, small bearing 1545, large bearing 1535, and cam profiler, can be used to achieve the desired effect. Figure 15A The effect is similar to that of damping. Because of spring 1530, compared to the force that the user must apply to rotate the POS terminal device 110 when it is in another position, the user needs to apply a slightly larger force to rotate the POS terminal device 110 away from the customer or merchant position.

[0187] Figure 16A A radial seal is shown to prevent liquid from entering.

[0188] The plug 1620 of cable 1610 is shown as being received or ejected by port 1625 of housing 1605. The sheath 1615 of cable 1610 terminates at the plug 1620. The receptacle 1607 of housing 1605 receives port 1625. The sheath 1615 of cable 1610 includes a radial seal 1630 made of an elastic material such as silicone or rubber, which surrounds the wall of the sheath 1615. The radial seal 1630 provides a sliding fit in receptacle 1607, preventing liquids (e.g., water) from entering port 1625 or plug 1620 once the plug 1620 has been received by port 1625. The radial seal 1630 is shown as having raised "bumps" that provide a more secure seal in specific areas to enhance the seal.

[0189] Alternatively or additionally, the socket 1607 may include a radial seal on the inner wall of the socket 1607, which provides or enhances the seal, thus preventing water from entering.

[0190] Figure 16B The protective shield is shown to prevent liquid from entering the seal.

[0191] Housing 1605, socket 1607, port 1625, plug 1620 and cable 1610 are in Figure 16B Zhongdu and Zai Figure 16A The same applies, except that the sheath 1615 of cable 1610 includes a protective cover seal 1635 instead of a radial seal 1630. The protective cover seal 1635 surrounds not only the walls of the sheath 1615 but also the face of the sheath 1615 of the plug 1620. In some cases, using... Figure 16B The 1635 protective cover seal enhances the seal, thus even more so than using... Figure 16A The radial seal 1630 further prevents liquid from entering.

[0192] Alternatively or additionally, the socket 1607 may include a protective cover seal on the inner wall of the socket 1607 and on the inner surface of the socket 1607 surrounding the port 1625, which provides or enhances the seal to prevent water ingress.

[0193] In some cases, the POS terminal device 110 may include radial seals 1630 or protective cover seals 1635 as discussed herein to enhance liquid ingress protection and thus enhance water or liquid resistance. In some cases, for example, the POS terminal device 110 may include one or more radial seals 1630 and / or protective cover seals 1635 in the base 150 of the POS terminal device 110.

[0194] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a tamper detection system for detecting tampering with fasteners.

[0195] Step 1710 of operation 1700 includes identifying that the tamper detection circuit is closed. The tamper detection circuit includes a first exposed conductive region 920 and a second exposed conductive region 925 of a flexible member 905. The flexible member 905 includes a hole through which a portion of a fastener (e.g., the shank 940 of a screw 935) passes, and a recess 965 receives that portion of the fastener. The first exposed conductive region 920 is electrically connected to the second exposed conductive region 925 and the tamper detection circuit is closed, while the recess 965 receives that portion of the fastener.

[0196] Step 1720 of operation 1700 includes detecting a tampering attempt by identifying the tampering detection circuit disconnected. The detected tampering attempt may be an attempt to tamper with: a flexible member 905, a fastener (e.g., a screw 935), a solid housing 960 including a recess 965, a conductive washer 970 electrically connecting a first exposed conductive area to a second exposed conductive area 925, an adhesive 975 on the conductive washer 970, an adhesive 930 on the flexible member 905, a circuit board or other tampering detection circuit to which the flexible member 905 is attached (e.g., optionally including one or more voltage sensors), or some combination thereof.

[0197] Figure 17 Operation 1700 can indicate the use of a tamper detection system, such as... Figures 9C-9E The ones shown or discussed are related to Figures 9A-9E Those related. In operation Figure 17 The fasteners mentioned may refer to screws 935 or those discussed in the text. Figures 9A-9E Any other fasteners involved.

[0198] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a tamper detection system that detects tampering with a flexible component connected to two connectors.

[0199] Step 1810 of operation 1800 includes identifying that the tamper detection circuit is closed. The tamper detection circuit includes at least one of a plurality of conductive traces of the flexible member. Each of the plurality of conductive traces extends between a front end and a rear end of the flexible member. The tamper detection circuit is closed when the front end of the flexible member is connected to a first connector and the rear end of the flexible member is connected to a second connector.

[0200] Step 1820 of operation 1800 includes detecting a tampering attempt by identifying that the tampering detection circuit is disconnected. The detected tampering attempt may be an attempt to tamper with: a flexible member, a first connector, a second connector, a first circuit board (or other circuit element) including the first connector, a second circuit board (or other circuit element) including the second connector, a tampering detection circuit coupled to the first or second connector (e.g., on the first or second circuit board and optionally including one or more voltage sensors), or some combination thereof.

[0201] Figure 18 Operation 1800 can indicate the use of a tamper detection system, such as in... Figure 10 The examples shown and discussed are related to Figure 10 All relevant systems. The discussions are related to... Figure 18 The flexible component related to operation 1800 may refer to the first flexible component 1020, the second flexible component 1025, or both.

[0202] Figure 19 An exemplary computing system 1900 is shown that can be used to implement some aspects of this technology. For example, any of the computing devices, computing systems, networking devices, network systems, servers, and / or circuit arrangements described herein may include at least one computing system 1900, or may include in... Figure 19 At least one component of the computer system 1900 identified in the document. Figure 19 The computing system 1900 includes one or more processors 1910 and memory 1920. Each of the processors 1910 may refer to one or more processors, controllers, microcontrollers, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), arithmetic logic units (ALUs), accelerated processing units (APUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or combinations thereof. Each of the processors 1910 may include one or more cores, either integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips that are connected or coupled together. Memory 1920 partially stores instructions and data for execution by the processors 1910. Memory 1920 may store executable code during runtime. Figure 19 The system 1900 also includes a mass storage device 1930, a portable storage media drive 1940, an output device 1950, a user input device 1960, a graphic display 1970, and peripheral devices 1980.

[0203] exist Figure 19The components shown are depicted as being connected via a single bus 1990. However, the components may be connected via one or more data transmission devices. For example, processor unit 1910 and memory 1920 may be connected via a local microprocessor bus, and mass storage device 1930, peripheral device 1980, portable storage device 1940, and display system 1970 may be connected via one or more input / output (I / O) buses.

[0204] Mass storage device 1930, which can be implemented using a disk drive or optical disk drive, is a non-volatile storage device used to store data and instructions for use by processor unit 1910. Mass storage device 1930 can store system software to implement certain aspects of the subject matter art so that the software can be loaded into memory 1920.

[0205] Portable storage devices 1940 operate with portable non-volatile storage media such as floppy disks, compact disks, or digital video disks to input data and code. Figure 19 Computer system 1900 and from Figure 19 The computer system 1900 outputs data and code. The system software used to implement various aspects of the subject matter can be stored on such a portable medium and input into the computer system 1900 via a portable storage device 1940.

[0206] The memory 1920, mass storage device 1930, or portable memory 1940 may, in certain circumstances, store sensitive information, such as transaction information, health information, or password keys, and in certain circumstances, such information may be encrypted or decrypted by the processor 1910. The memory 1920, mass storage device 1930, or portable memory 1940 may, in certain circumstances, at least partially store instructions, executable code, or other data for execution or processing by the processor 1910.

[0207] Output device 1950 may include, for example, communication circuitry for outputting data via a wired or wireless device, display circuitry for displaying data via a screen, audio circuitry for outputting audio via headphones or speakers, printer circuitry for printing data via a printer, or some combination thereof. The screen may be any type of display discussed in relation to display system 1970. The printer may be inkjet, laser, thermal, or some combination thereof. In some cases, output device circuitry 1950 may allow data transmission via: audio jack / plug, microphone jack / plug, Universal Serial Bus (USB) port / plug, etc. Ports / plugs, Ethernet ports / plugs, fiber optic ports / plugs, proprietary wired ports / plugs Wireless signal transmission Low-power (BLE) wireless signal transmission Wireless signal transmission, radio frequency identification (RFID) wireless signal transmission, near field communication (NFC) wireless signal transmission, dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) wireless signal transmission, 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless signal transmission, wireless local area network (WLAN) signal transmission, visible light communication (VLC), global microwave access interoperability (WiMAX), infrared (IR) communication wireless signal transmission, public switched telephone network (PSTN) signal transmission, integrated services digital network (ISDN) signal transmission, 3G / 4G / 5G / LTE cellular data network wireless signal transmission, ad hoc network signal transmission, radio wave signal transmission, microwave signal transmission, infrared signal transmission, visible light signal transmission, ultraviolet light signal transmission, wireless signal transmission along the electromagnetic spectrum, or some combination thereof. Output device 1950 may include any port, plug, antenna, wired or wireless transmitter, wired or wireless transceiver, or any other component necessary or usable for implementing the communication types listed above, such as a cellular subscriber identity module (SIM) card.

[0208] Input device 1960 may include circuitry providing part of a user interface. Input device 1960 may include an alphanumeric keypad, such as a keyboard, or a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, or cursor arrow keys for inputting alphanumeric and other information. Input device 1960 may also include a touch-sensitive surface, which may be integrated with the display, such as a touchscreen, or separate from the display, such as a touchpad. In some cases, the touch-sensitive surface may detect localized variable pressure or force. In some cases, the input device circuitry may allow data to be received via: an audio jack, a microphone jack, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port / plug, etc. Ports / plugs, Ethernet ports / plugs, fiber optic ports / plugs, proprietary wired ports / plugs, wired LAN ports / plugs Wireless signal transmission Low-power (BLE) wireless signal transmission Wireless signal transmission, including radio frequency identification (RFID) wireless signal transmission, near field communication (NFC) wireless signal transmission, dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) wireless signal transmission, 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless signal transmission, wireless local area network (WLAN) signal transmission, visible light communication (VLC), global microwave access interoperability (WiMAX), infrared (IR) communication wireless signal transmission, public switched telephone network (PSTN) signal transmission, integrated services digital network (ISDN) signal transmission, 3G / 4G / 5G / LTE cellular data network wireless signal transmission, personal area network (PAN) signal transmission, wide area network (WAN) signal transmission, ad hoc network signal transmission, radio wave signal transmission, microwave signal transmission, infrared signal transmission, visible light signal transmission, ultraviolet light signal transmission, wireless signal transmission along the electromagnetic spectrum, or some combination thereof. Input device 1960 may include any port, plug, antenna, wired or wireless receiver, wired or wireless transceiver, or any other component necessary or usable for implementing the communication types listed above, such as a cellular SIM card.

[0209] Input device 1960 may also include a receiver or transceiver for locating computing system 1900. These may include any wired or wireless signal receiver or transceiver. For example, the location of computing system 1900 may be determined based on the signal strength of signals received from three cellular network towers at computing system 1900, a process known as cellular triangulation. Fewer than three cellular network towers may also be used—even one—although the location determined from such data will be less accurate than that determined by triangulation (e.g., somewhere within a specific range of a tower, somewhere along a line, or in a relatively small area for two towers). More than three cellular network towers may also be used, further improving the accuracy of the location. A similar positioning operation may be performed using proximity beacons, which may use short-range wireless signals, such as… Wireless signal Low Energy (BLE) wireless signals Wireless signals, personal area network (PAN) signals, microwave signals, radio wave signals, or other signals discussed above. A similar positioning operation can be performed using a wired local area network (LAN) or a wireless local area network (WLAN), where the location of one or more network devices communicating with the computing system 1900 is known, such as routers, modems, switches, hubs, bridges, gateways, or repeaters. These may also include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers or transceivers used to determine the location of the computing system 1900 based on the reception of one or more signals from one or more satellites associated with one or more GNSS systems. GNSS systems include, but are not limited to, the US-based Global Positioning System (GPS), the Russian-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), the Chinese-based BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), and the European-based Galileo GNSS. Input device 1960 may include receivers or transceivers corresponding to one or more of these GNSS systems.

[0210] Display system 1970 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an electronic ink or "electronic paper" display, a projector-based display, a holographic display, or other suitable display device. Display system 1970 receives text and graphic information and processes the information for output to the display device. Display system 1970 may include multi-touch touchscreen input functionality, such as capacitive touch detection, resistive touch detection, surface acoustic wave touch detection, or infrared touch detection. Such touchscreen input functionality may or may not allow variable pressure or force detection.

[0211] Peripheral device 1980 may include any type of computer support device to add additional functionality to the computer system. For example, peripheral device 1980 may include one or more additional output devices of any type related to output device 1950, one or more additional input devices of any type related to input device 1960, one or more additional display systems of any type related to display system 1970, one or more memory or mass storage devices or portable storage devices of any type related to memory 1920, mass storage device 1930, or portable storage device 1940, modems, routers, antennas, wired or wireless transceivers, printers, barcode scanners, quick response (“QR”) code scanners, magnetic stripe card readers, integrated circuit chip (ICC) card readers (such as smart card readers or...). (EMV) chip card readers, Near Field Communication (NFC) readers, document / image scanners, visible light cameras, thermal / infrared cameras, ultraviolet-sensitive cameras, night vision cameras, light sensors, phototransistors, photoresistors, thermometers, thermistors, batteries, power supplies, proximity sensors, laser rangefinders, sonar transceivers, radar transceivers, lidar transceivers, network equipment, motors, actuators, pumps, conveyor belts, robotic arms, rotors, drill bits, chemical measuring equipment, or some combination thereof.

[0212] Included Figure 19 The components in the computer system 1900 may include those commonly found in computer systems that are suitable for use with certain aspects of the subject matter, as well as those representing a broad category of such computer components known in the art. That is, Figure 19 The 1900 computer system can be customized and specialized for the purposes discussed herein, and uses specialized hardware components, specialized arrangements of hardware components, and / or specialized software to perform the various operations discussed herein. Therefore, Figure 19 The computer system 1900 can be a personal computer, a handheld computing device, a telephone (“smartphone” or otherwise), a mobile computing device, a workstation, a server (on a server rack or otherwise), a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, a tablet computing device, a wearable device (such as a watch, ring, a pair of glasses or other types of jewelry or clothing or accessories), a video game console (portable or otherwise), an e-book reader, a media player device (portable or otherwise), a vehicle-based computer, another type of computing device, or some combination thereof. In some cases, the computer system 1900 can be a virtual computer system executed by another computer system. The computer can also include different bus configurations, network platforms, multiprocessor platforms, etc. Various operating systems can be used, including… Macintosh Palm Chrome Fire Kindle Any variant of these systems, other suitable operating systems, or combinations thereof. The Computer System 1900 can also use the Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) or the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) as a layer on which the operating system runs.

[0213] In some cases, computer system 1900 may be part of a multi-computer system using multiple computer systems 1900, each computer system for one or more specific tasks or purposes. For example, a multi-computer system may include multiple computer systems 1900 that are communicatively coupled together via at least one of a Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or some combination thereof. A multi-computer system may also include multiple computer systems 1900 from different networks that are communicatively coupled together via the Internet (also known as a “distributed” system).

[0214] Some aspects of this subject matter can be implemented in applications that can be operated using a variety of devices. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media refers to any medium or medium that participates in providing instructions to a central processing unit (CPU) for execution and can be used in memory 1920, mass storage 1930, portable storage 1940, or some combination thereof. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media such as optical discs or magnetic disks and dynamic storage, respectively. Some forms of non-transitory computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magnetic sheets / strips, any other magnetic storage media, flash memory, memristor memory, any other solid-state storage, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), rewritable optical discs (CD), digital video optical discs (DVD), Blu-ray discs (BDD), holographic discs, other optical media, secure digital storage (SD) cards, micro secure digital storage (microSD) cards, and memory. Cards, smart card chips, EMV chips, SIM cards, mini / micro / nano / micro SIM cards, other integrated circuit (IC) chips / cards, random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash EPROM, cache memory (L1 / L2 / L3 / L4 / L5 / L#), resistive random access memory (RRAM / ReRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), spin-transfer torque RAM (STT-RAM), other memory chips or cassette memories or combinations thereof.

[0215] Various forms of transmission media can be involved when transferring one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 1910 for execution. Bus 1990 transfers data to system RAM or other memory 1920, from which processor 1910 retrieves and executes instructions. Instructions received by system RAM or other memory 1920 may optionally be stored on a fixed disk (mass storage device 1930 / portable storage device 1940) before or after execution by processor 1910. Various forms of storage, as well as the network interfaces and network topologies required to implement them, can also be implemented.

[0216] While the various flowcharts provided and described above may show a specific sequence of operations performed by some embodiments of the subject matter, it should be understood that such sequences are exemplary. Alternative embodiments may perform operations in a different order, combine certain operations, overlap certain operations, or some combination thereof. It should be understood that, unless otherwise disclosed, any process illustrated in any flowchart herein or otherwise illustrated or described herein can be performed by the machine, mechanism, and / or computing system 1900 discussed herein, and may be performed automatically (e.g., in response to one or more triggers / conditions described herein), autonomously, semi-autonomously (e.g., based on received instructions), or a combination thereof. Furthermore, any action described herein as occurring in response to one or more specific triggers / conditions should be understood as optionally occurring automatically in response to one or more specific triggers / conditions.

[0217] For illustrative and descriptive purposes, the foregoing detailed description of the technology has been presented. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed. In light of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations are possible. The described embodiments were chosen to best explain the principles of the technology, its practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for the intended particular use. The scope of the technology is intended to be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: shell; A trading instrument reader within the housing, wherein, in response to receiving a trading instrument within a reading area associated with the trading instrument reader, the trading instrument reader reads trading instrument information from the trading instrument; A frame, wherein when the frame is in an unfixed state, the frame is separate from the housing, wherein when the frame is in a fixed state, the frame is fixed to the housing, wherein when the frame is in the fixed state, the frame receives a mobile computing device in a hole within the frame; as well as A connector, wherein when the connector is in a disconnected state, the connector is exposed, wherein when the connector is in a connected state, the connector is electrically coupled to a mobile computing device connector of a mobile computing device, wherein when the connector is in the connected state, the connector transmits trading instrument information from the trading instrument reader to the mobile computing device; The frame includes a latch, which includes a clamping portion and a pin. The clamping portion is used to hold a portion of the mobile computing device, and the pin is located in a pin groove within the wall of the frame. The pin groove is wide enough to accommodate the diameter of the pin, thereby allowing the latch to rotate about the pin and the pin to slide laterally along the length of the pin groove. The latch is movable between a locked position, an unlocked position, and a receive / eject position. When the latch is in the locked position and the pin is laterally positioned in the pin slot in a forward position, the frame secures the mobile computing device. When the latch is in the unlocked position and the pin is laterally positioned in the middle of the pin slot, the frame releases the mobile computing device. When the latch is in the receive / eject position and the pin is laterally positioned in the pin slot in a rearward position, the frame allows the mobile computing device to be received or ejected.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transaction tool reader is a magnetic stripe reader, and the reading area is a slot within the housing, wherein the magnetic stripe reader reads transaction tool information from the magnetic stripe of the transaction tool in response to reception of the magnetic stripe of the transaction tool within the slot.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transaction tool reader is a chip card reader and the reading area is a slot within the housing, wherein in response to reception of the chip of the transaction tool within the slot, the chip card reader reads the transaction tool information from the chip of the transaction tool.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the chip card reader includes chip card reader circuitry on a first side of the slot and on a second side of the slot, such that the chip card reader reads transaction instrument information from the chip of the transaction instrument regardless of which side of the slot the chip faces.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transaction tool reader includes a near-field communication (NFC) reader and the reading area is within the wireless NFC signal range of the NFC reader, wherein, In response to the NFC transmitter of the transaction instrument receiving information within the reading area, the NFC reader reads the transaction instrument information from the wireless signal transmitted by the NFC transmitter of the transaction instrument.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the NFC reader includes a curved antenna coil having a curved shape, wherein the curved shape includes at least one of a convex or a concave shape.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second frame different from the frame, wherein when the second frame is in an unfixed state, the second frame is separate from the housing, wherein when the second frame is in a fixed state, the second frame is fixed to the housing, wherein when the second frame is in the fixed state, the second frame receives a second mobile computing device into a second hole within the second frame, wherein the mobile computing device and the second mobile computing device have different shape factors such that the size of the hole within the frame is set to tightly receive the mobile computing device, and the size of the second hole within the second frame is set to tightly receive the second mobile computing device.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein during at least a portion of a time when the connector is in a connected state, the connector transmits power from the mobile computing device to the transaction tool reader.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a magnet integrated into the housing, wherein the magnet secures one or more objects to the housing, wherein the one or more objects comprise at least one of the frame or the mobile computing device.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A base coupled to the housing, wherein the housing is configured to rotate about the base between a merchant location and a customer location.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: A damper within the base, wherein when the base is in a locked state, the damper locks the housing in either a merchant position or a customer position, wherein the damper comprises at least one of a spring, a ramp, or a magnet.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: An orientation detector that identifies the orientation of the housing relative to the base, wherein the orientation detector includes at least one of a switch, a light sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an accelerometer, or a gyroscope.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a first opening, wherein the mobile computing device includes a second opening, wherein when the frame is in the fixed state and after the frame receives the mobile computing device, the pin secures the mobile computing device to the frame through the first opening and the second opening.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Biometric sensors that receive biometric data; Memory that stores instructions; as well as A processor, wherein the execution of the instructions by the processor causes the processor to: Encrypted biometric data is generated by encrypting the biometric data. The encrypted biometric data is sent to the mobile computing device using the connector.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An input interface separate from the mobile computing device, the input interface receiving input corresponding to a personal identification number (PIN) code; as well as Memory that stores instructions; as well as A processor, wherein the execution of the instructions by the processor causes the processor to: An encrypted PIN code is generated by encrypting the PIN code, and The connector is used to transmit the encrypted PIN code to the mobile computing device.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An input interface separate from the mobile computing device, the input interface receiving input corresponding to the signature; Memory that stores instructions; as well as A processor, wherein the execution of the instructions by the processor causes the processor to: An encrypted signature is generated by encrypting the signature, and The encrypted signature is sent to the mobile computing device using the connector.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A tamper detection circuit, wherein the tamper detection circuit is configured to detect one or more attempts to tamper with a secure area within the enclosure.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the secure area includes a secure enclosure that at least houses the memory and the processor.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the secure area includes at least a portion of the transaction tool reader.

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