ELECTRONIC PAYMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AN APPROPRIATE PAYMENT MODE

Description

Domaine de l'invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of electronic payment devices, such as electronic payment terminals, allowing several modes of card payment: reading the chip of a card inserted in a slot provided for this purpose, reading the magnetic stripe of a card sliding in a space provided for this purpose and contactless reading by bringing the card close to the antenna (via the corresponding logo). Art antérieur et ses inconvénients

[0002] Therefore, in the remainder of this document, we focus more specifically on describing an existing problem in the field of electronic payment terminals which the inventors of this patent application have faced, relating to the triggering of the different possible payment methods.

[0003] Indeed, when an electronic payment terminal allows at least two payment methods (for example, card insertion and contactless payment), the functionalities related to these different payment methods must be operational regardless of the user's chosen payment method and without the user needing to indicate this choice beforehand. This involves "implicitly" triggering the functionality corresponding to the user's choice. Thus, if the user chooses to pay by inserting their chip card, they simply bring it close to the electronic payment terminal before inserting it, and the contactless payment functionality should not be triggered by the user's chip card being brought close to the terminal.

[0004] Contactless payment is governed in particular by the EMV standard (for Europay MasterCard Visa), which specifies, among other things, the magnetic field required for contactless payment functionality. The current EMV standard requires, for example, that the electric field be strong enough for cards to be read from more than four centimeters away from the electronic payment terminal, over a large area.

[0005] This constraint potentially causes interference with other features of the electronic payment terminal, implying, for example, that the antenna must be moved as far away as possible from certain other electronic components.

[0006] However, as the compactness of electronic payment terminals is increasingly sought after, it becomes difficult to design the architecture of an electronic payment terminal while taking into account these different constraints.

[0007] Therefore, for very compact electronic payment terminal architectures, the different card readers (smart card, magnetic stripe card (also called "swipe" in English) and contactless) are implemented in close proximity, as illustrated for example in figure Fig 1a . This architecture means that a card that can be used for both contactless and contact payments (via chip or magnetic stripe reading) is detected and read by the contactless reader even before it is inserted into the chip or magnetic stripe reader. Indeed, the detection zone of the contactless payment antenna, illustrated for example in figure Fig 1b The range is sufficiently broad to detect when a card is approached for payment via either reader (chip card or magnetic stripe card). This type of situation can therefore trigger the contactless payment process even if the user hasn't selected this payment method, or it can lead to a transaction error resulting in delays for the user.

[0008] US patent 2019 / 0332828 A1 relates to NFC communication between a service machine (e.g., a washing machine) and a mobile device. Once the mobile device establishes short-range contact with the NFC reader, the NFC reader's range can be adjusted for a longer communication range.

[0009] Document EP 2 107 495 A2 relates to an NFC / RFID reader with two antenna coils. One of the antenna coils is used as a wake-up coil to activate the other antenna coil in order to perform an RFID transaction.

[0010] US patent 2017 / 0344999 A1 relates to a mobile device used as a payment terminal interface. The mobile device can process payments using either MST or NFC. The mobile device incorporates multiple coils to detect the payment method with the terminal.

[0011] Document EP 3 082 061 A1 relates to an NFC reader with a proximity detector that detects a card near the reader in order to activate the NFC reader.

[0012] US document 10,318,952 B1 relates to a card reader with a contact reading mode, a magnetic stripe reading mode and an NFC reading mode, a proximity detector being used to activate the corresponding reading interface.

[0013] US patent 2016 / 0335461 A1 relates to a card reader with a contact reading mode, a magnetic stripe reading mode, and an NFC reading mode. The card reader has discriminating contacts inside the reader that allow it to determine the type of card present.

[0014] There is therefore a need for a technique that allows implicit contactless card reading, via the chip or magnetic stripe, with compact architectures of electronic payment terminals and card readers. Exposé de l'invention

[0015] The present technique addresses this need by providing a payment terminal defined by claim 1

[0016] Thus, the present technique offers a novel and inventive solution for detecting a payment method when a user brings their payment card close to an electronic payment terminal, while maintaining a compact architecture for the terminal. To achieve this, the electronic payment terminal includes, in addition to the main antenna dedicated to contactless payment, at least one additional antenna that detects the approach of the card and deduces whether the user wishes to pay contactless or by inserting their card into one of the readers available on the terminal (chip reader or magnetic stripe reader). This detection is implemented by comparing the signal received by the additional antenna with a threshold, and activating the main antenna if the comparison is positive.The switchover between the additional antenna and the main antenna can be implemented by different techniques described below.

[0017] According to a particular feature, the selection means (20) and activation and deactivation means (30) of the main antenna correspond to a switch receiving as input a signal received by the first additional antenna and a signal received by the main antenna and delivering as output one or the other of the signals received by the first additional antenna and by the main antenna, and the comparison means (40) are implemented in at least one contactless control and processing module (10) receiving as input one or the other of the signals received by the first additional antenna and by the main antenna, i.e. one or the other of the signals delivered as output of the switch.

[0018] Thus, the solution is implemented via a switch that toggles between antennas, first analyzing the signal received on the additional antenna before processing the signal received by the main antenna if a contactless payment is detected. This implementation is simple and inexpensive, requiring only a single contactless chip (contactless control and processing module) to analyze the signals received by both the additional and main antennas.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the electronic payment terminal further includes a second contactless control and processing module (11) associated with the first additional antenna and the means for selecting (20) and activating and deactivating (30) the main antenna (AP) are implemented in the processor (CPU).

[0020] Thus, the solution is implemented via a second "contactless chip" dedicated to the additional antenna and it is the CPU of the electronic payment terminal that implements the switchover between the processing of the signal received by the additional antenna and the processing of the signal received by the main antenna.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the electronic payment terminal further includes a second additional antenna (AA2) as defined by claim 4.

[0022] This second embodiment employs two additional antennas, advantageously positioned and configured, to refine payment method detection, such that contactless payment is detected if a signal is detected on both additional antennas, while non-contactless payment is detected if a signal is detected on only one of the two additional antennas. Several alternative embodiments are described below.

[0023] According to a first variant, the means for selecting (20) and for activating and deactivating (30) the main antenna correspond to a switch receiving as input a signal received by the first additional antenna and a signal received by the second additional antenna and a signal received by the main antenna and delivering as output one or the other of the signals received by the first additional antenna, the second additional antenna or the main antenna, and the comparison means are implemented in at least one contactless control and processing module (10) receiving as input one or the other of the signals received by the first additional antenna, the second additional antenna or the main antenna, i.e. one or the other of the signals delivered by the switch.

[0024] Thus, the solution is implemented via a switch that allows switching between antennas, first analyzing the signal received by the additional antennas before processing the signal received by the main antenna if a contactless payment is detected. This implementation is simple and inexpensive, requiring only a single contactless chip (contactless control and processing module) to analyze the signals received by both the additional antennas and the main antenna.

[0025] According to a second variant, the electronic payment terminal further includes a second control module (14) associated with the first and second additional antennas and the means for selecting (20) and for activating and deactivating (30) the main antenna correspond to a switch receiving as input a signal received by the first additional antenna and a signal received by the second additional antenna and delivering as output one or the other of the signals received by the first additional antenna or the second additional antenna and the comparison means (40) are implemented in the processor (CPU).

[0026] Thus, as with the second variant of the first embodiment, the solution is implemented via a second "contactless chip" dedicated to the additional antennas, and it is the CPU of the electronic payment terminal that implements the switching between the processing of the signal received by each of the additional antennas and the signal received by the main antenna. According to a third variant, the electronic payment terminal further includes a second contactless control and processing module (11) associated with the first additional antenna and a third contactless control and processing module (12) associated with the second additional antenna, and the means for selecting (20) and activating and deactivating (30) the main antenna (AP) are implemented in the processor (CPU).

[0027] According to this third variant, a "contactless chip" is dedicated to each of the additional antennas and it is the CPU of the electronic payment terminal that implements the switching between the processing of the signal received respectively by each of the additional antennas and the signal received by the main antenna.

[0028] The present technique also relates to a method for detecting an electronic payment method as defined by claim 8.

[0029] Such a process is notably implemented in an electronic payment terminal according to the different embodiments described above and makes it possible to discriminate the payment method chosen by the user according to the approach of their payment card.

[0030] In one particular aspect, the process also includes a step to deactivate the first additional antenna when a contactless payment method is detected. This step is implemented, in particular, when a switch is used to toggle between the different antennas.

[0031] According to a particular feature in which the electronic payment terminal further comprises a second additional antenna capable of receiving a signal emitted by the electronic payment card, the method (defined by claim 10) further comprises a second step of comparing a signal level received from the electronic payment card by the second additional antenna with a second predetermined threshold delivering a second comparison result, and the step of activating the main antenna for the implementation of a contactless transaction between the electronic payment terminal and the electronic payment card is triggered if the second comparison result is positive.

[0032] In one particular aspect, the process also includes a step to deactivate the second additional antenna when a contactless payment method is detected. This step is implemented, in particular, when a switch is used to toggle between the different antennas.

[0033] According to a preferred implementation, the various steps of the process according to the invention are implemented by one or more software or computer programs, comprising software instructions intended to be executed by a data processor of an electronic payment terminal according to the present technique and designed to control the execution of the various steps of the process, implemented at the level of the electronic payment terminal.

[0034] Consequently, the invention also relates to programs capable of being executed by a computer or a data processor, these programs comprising instructions to control the execution of the steps of the process as mentioned above. A program may use any programming language and be in the form of source code, object code, or code intermediate between source and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0035] The present technique also relates to an information carrier readable by a data processor and containing instructions for a program as described above. The information carrier can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the carrier can include a storage medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example a removable medium (memory card) or a hard drive or SSD. Furthermore, the information carrier can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by radio, or by other means. The program according to the invention can, in particular, be uploaded to a network such as the Internet.Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question.

[0036] In one embodiment, this technique is implemented using software and / or hardware components. For this purpose, the term "module" in this document may refer to a software component, a hardware component, or a set of hardware and software components. A software component is one or more computer programs, one or more subroutines of a program, or more generally, any element of a program or software capable of implementing a function or set of functions, as described below for the module in question. Such a software component is executed by a data processor of a physical entity (terminal, server, gateway, set-top box, router, etc.) and is capable of accessing the hardware resources of that physical entity (memory, storage media, communication buses, input / output cards, user interfaces, etc.).Similarly, a hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware assembly capable of implementing a function or set of functions, as described below for the module in question. This could be a programmable hardware component or one with an integrated processor for software execution, for example, an integrated circuit, a smart card, a memory card, an electronic board for running firmware, etc. Each component of the system described above naturally implements its own software modules.

[0037] The different embodiments mentioned above can be combined with each other for the implementation of the invention. Liste des figures

[0038] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of simple illustration and not limitation, in relation to the figures, among which: [ Fig 1a ] illustrates a perspective view of part of an electronic payment terminal, according to the prior art; [ Fig 1b ] illustrates a front view of part of an electronic payment terminal, according to prior art [ Fig 2a ] illustrates a front view of part of an electronic payment terminal, according to a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 2b ] illustrates an example of an implementation diagram for a first variant of the first embodiment as shown in figure Fig 2a ; [ Fig 2c ]illustrates an example of an implementation diagram for a second variant of the first embodiment as shown in figure Fig 2a ; [ Fig 3a ] illustrates a front view of an electronic payment card reader, according to a second embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 3b ] illustrates an example of an implementation diagram for a first variant of the second embodiment as shown in figure Fig 3a [ Fig 3c ] illustrates an example of an implementation diagram for a second variant of the second embodiment as shown in figure Fig 3a ; [ Fig 3d ] illustrates an example of an implementation diagram for a third variant of the second embodiment as shown in figure Fig 3a ; And [ Fig 4 ]illustrates the main steps of a process for detecting an electronic payment method, according to one embodiment. Description détaillée de modes de réalisation de l'invention

[0039] The general principle of the invention is based on the implementation of at least one additional antenna for detecting the approach of a payment card, allowing the user to discriminate upstream the payment method chosen by the user (among contactless payment, payment by reading a smart card inserted in a dedicated card reader or payment by reading a magnetic smart card sliding in a dedicated card reader) according to the detected approach zone of the card.

[0040] To achieve this, the additional antenna(s), strategically positioned within the electronic payment terminal relative to the main contactless payment antenna and the card's approach zones (depending on the payment method), measure the signal levels received from the card as it approaches the terminal. Payment method detection is then based on these received signal level measurements or calculations of differential signal levels received by separate antennas.

[0041] Furthermore, the technical solution relies on processing the signals received from the additional antenna(s) without processing the signal received by the main contactless payment antenna. This prevents the contactless payment procedure from initiating until it has determined that the user actually wishes to make a contactless payment. Thus, in this way, the electronic payment terminal does not initiate a dialogue between the approaching payment card and the main antenna until it has determined that the user has chosen to make a contactless payment.

[0042] This is therefore possible thanks to the additional antennas and the selection of signals received from these different antennas, while respecting the standard and the time frame required for contactless payment. This is because the processing time of the signals received by the additional antenna(s) before switching to the processing of signals received by the main contactless payment antenna is short enough to then initiate the contactless payment within the time frame required by the standard. The different embodiments and their variants are now described in relation to the figures. Fig 2aà Fig 3d , as well as the main steps in the process of detecting an electronic payment method in relation to the figure Fig 4 .

[0043] The figures Fig 2a à Fig 2c illustrate a first embodiment, in which the electronic payment terminal includes an additional AA1 detection antenna, installed such that its detection area (shown in black dashes) is included in the detection area of ​​the main contactless AP antenna (shown in solid black line) as in the figure Fig 2a .

[0044] This configuration ensures that if the signal level received by the first additional antenna, AA1, exceeds a predetermined threshold, then the user's payment card is indeed approaching for a contactless payment. In fact, if the card were approaching for one of the other two payment methods using a chip card reader or magnetic stripe, the first additional antenna, AA1, would not detect sufficiently strong signals. Therefore, it is essential that the antenna be optimally positioned within the electronic payment terminal, as well as in relation to the main antenna, AP, and that it be optimally configured to receive signals from an approaching chip card.

[0045] Thus, as illustrated in particular in the figures Fig 2b And Fig 2c ,This first additional antenna, AA1, is smaller than the main antenna, AP, and has a weaker field strength, without any obligation or need to comply with EMV requirements. Indeed, this first additional antenna, AA1, is not intended to implement contactless payment functionality, but is used solely to distinguish the payment method chosen by the user, that is, to detect a sufficient signal level from a payment card approaching the electronic payment terminal.

[0046] Two implementation variants are now described for this embodiment with an additional antenna, particularly with regard to the technical implementation of the selection of signals received from the main antenna and the additional antenna.

[0047] The first variant, illustrated in the figure Fig 2b ,The solution involves implementing a two-way analog switch 20 to select which antenna—either the first additional antenna 1 or the main antenna AP—is used. Such a switch is a known electronic component and is not described in further detail in this patent application. Thus, not only does the switch 20 allow the selection of signals received from the main antenna AP or the first additional antenna AA1 before their processing by the existing contactless control and processing module 10 (the module typically responsible for processing the signal from the main antenna AP), but the switch 20 also disables the main antenna AP, preventing it from communicating with a payment card approaching the electronic payment terminal. The switch 20 therefore also serves as the means 30 for disabling the main antenna AP.

[0048] Thus, according to this first variant, the analog switch 20 selects the first additional antenna 1 when the electronic payment terminal starts up. This antenna then creates a magnetic field sufficient to activate an electronic payment card approaching the terminal and to receive a signal from that card. Subsequently, the level of the signal received (denoted R in the figures) by the first additional antenna 1 is compared, for example periodically, to a predetermined threshold SI.This comparison is implemented by comparison means 40 implemented in the contactless control and processing module 10, which then controls the switch 20: if the signal level received on the first additional antenna 1 corresponds to a contactless card approach, then the switch 20 switches to receiving signals from the main AP antenna for contactless payment. In this case, the switch 20 therefore also acts as the activation means 30 for the main AP antenna and the deactivation means for the first additional antenna 1.

[0049] Otherwise, the contactless functionality is not activated, and payment by reading the chip card or magnetic stripe is implemented, depending on whether the user inserts their card into the chip card reader or slides it into the magnetic stripe reader.

[0050] It should be noted that when the first additional antenna 1 is used, it does not communicate with the approaching smart card (particularly because it does not comply with the EMV standard) but serves only to detect the payment method. This therefore makes it possible to temporarily deactivate the main antenna AP, which is the only antenna capable of implementing contactless payment by communicating with an electronic payment card. In particular, this is made possible by the fact that, according to the EMV standard, transaction speed requirements must be met from the moment the response to card detection is received, a moment that is not affected by the implementation of this technique.

[0051] However, adjustments must be made to both the antenna operating parameters and the S1 detection threshold to optimize the activation of the main antenna so that it detects the approaching card and implements contactless payment according to the EMV standard requirements. These adjustments therefore depend on the characteristics of the antennas used, as well as the requirements of the applicable EMV standard, and can be implemented during the finalization of the electronic payment terminal architecture, in preparation for standard approval testing. This type of adjustment / configuration is known. These considerations apply to the second variant of this first embodiment, described below, as well as to the various variants of the second embodiment.

[0052] This first variant therefore implements a single contactless control and processing module 10, which represents an advantage in terms of the cost of implementing the present technique. This known contactless control and processing module 10, also called a "contactless chip," shapes all the analog output signals for the antennas (at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, notably for contactless payment) and controls the analog switch 20. Such a contactless chip also decodes the analog signals and transforms them into digital signals.

[0053] Furthermore, in a known manner, antenna matching modules Adapt.AP and Adapt.AA1 are implemented to improve the antenna radiation pattern, respectively between switch 20 and the control and processing module 10 for matching to the main antenna, and between switch 20 and the first additional antenna 1 for matching to the latter. These matching modules include, for example, capacitors and inductors, in a known manner but not detailed here.

[0054] Finally, the CPU (CPU) is the processor of the electronic payment terminal and enables the completion of a transaction, regardless of the payment method chosen. Therefore, such a processor is not described in detail in this patent application.

[0055] In the second variant, illustrated in the figure Fig 2c ,It is precisely this CPU processor that integrates the selection means 20 and the activation and deactivation means 30 of the main antenna. This second variant therefore does not implement an analog switch but requires two contactless control and processing modules 10 and 11, respectively connected to the main antenna AP and the first additional antenna AA1. This second variant thus uses a processing and transmission chain (including in particular an adaptation module and a contactless control and processing module) dedicated to each of the antennas.According to this second variant, the CPU, at startup of the electronic payment terminal, commands the operation of the first additional antenna 1, so that the latter creates a magnetic field sufficient to activate an electronic payment card approaching the terminal and receive a signal from that electronic payment card. To do this, the CPU selects, via selection means 20 (for example, one or more dedicated electronic components, controlled by one or more programs), the chain dedicated to the first additional antenna AA1 (including, in particular, the antenna adaptation module Adapt.AA1 and the contactless control and processing module 11). In parallel, the chain dedicated to the main antenna AP, i.e., the antenna adaptation module Adapt.AP and the contactless control and processing module 10, are deactivated by deactivation means 30.

[0056] Next, the signal level received (denoted R in the figures) by the first additional antenna 1 is compared, periodically for example, to a predetermined threshold S1. This comparison is implemented by comparison means 40 implemented in the CPU. Following this comparison, if the signal level received on the first additional antenna 1 corresponds to a contactless card approach, then the CPU switches to receiving signals from the main antenna AP for contactless payment. In this case, the CPU also acts as a means for activating 30 the main antenna AP (for example, one or more dedicated electronic components, controlled by one or more programs) and deactivating (for example, one or more dedicated electronic components, controlled by one or more programs) the first additional antenna, by inhibiting its dedicated channel.

[0057] Otherwise, the contactless functionality is not activated, and payment by reading the chip card or magnetic stripe is implemented, depending on whether the user inserts their card into the chip card reader or slides it into the magnetic stripe reader.

[0058] The addition of an additional detection antenna therefore makes it possible to discriminate the payment method based on the detection of the approach of the user's smart card, without the contactless functionality being triggered if the contactless mode is not chosen by the user.

[0059] The figures Fig 3a à Fig 3d illustrate a second embodiment, in which the electronic payment terminal includes a first additional detection antenna AA1, mounted such that its detection area (shown in black dashes) is included in the detection area of ​​the main contactless antenna AP (shown in solid black line), and a second additional detection antenna AA2, mounted such that its detection area (shown in black dashes) is also included in the detection area of ​​the main contactless antenna AP, as in the figure Fig 3a .

[0060] This implementation allows the first additional antenna, AA1, to be used to detect the contactless payment method, as it is positioned to detect when the card approaches from above. The second additional detection antenna, AA2, is used to confirm a payment method by reading the chip or magnetic stripe. Indeed, the principle of this second embodiment consists of comparing the signal levels received by the two additional antennas, either with each other or with predetermined thresholds, to determine the approach zone of the payment card. Therefore, the additional antennas must be advantageously positioned within the electronic payment terminal, as well as relative to the main antenna, AP, and advantageously configured to receive signals from an approaching smart card.

[0061] Thus, as illustrated in particular in the figures Fig 3bà Fig 3d , The additional antennas are smaller than the main AP antenna and have a weaker field strength, without any obligation or need to comply with EMV requirements. Indeed, these additional antennas are not intended to implement contactless payment functionality, but are used solely to distinguish the payment method chosen by the user, that is, to detect a sufficient signal level from a payment card approaching the electronic payment terminal.

[0062] Three implementation variants are now described for this second embodiment with two additional antennas, particularly with regard to the technical implementation of the selection of signals received from the main contactless antenna and the additional antennas.

[0063] The first variant, illustrated in the figure Fig 3b , consists of implementing a three-way analog switch 20 (or switch in English), allowing selection of one antenna from among the two additional antennas AA1 and AA2 and the main antenna AP.

[0064] The operation of this first variant is similar to that of the first variant of the first embodiment, described previously, the switch 20 allowing the selection of the signals received from the main antenna AAP or the first additional antenna AA1 or the second additional antenna AA2, before their processing by the existing contactless control and processing module 10 (classically in charge of processing the signal from the main antenna AP).

[0065] Switch 20 also acts as a means 30 for disabling the main AP antenna, which then cannot communicate with a payment card approaching the electronic payment terminal, and for disabling one of the two unselected additional antennas. It also acts as a means 30 for activating the main AP antenna and disabling the additional antennas when contactless payment is detected. This figure Fig 3b illustrates an example of the arrangement of the additional antennas AA1 and AA2 inside the main antenna AP, as well as the corresponding matching modules (already described in relation to the first embodiment).

[0066] According to this first variant, the switch 20 allows switching from one antenna to the other, depending on the result of comparing the signal level received on the selected antenna to a threshold. Thus, when the electronic payment terminal starts up, the switch 20 is configured to select one of the two additional antennas AA1 or AA2, for example, antenna AA2 (the one best suited to detecting an approach for contact payment). The signal received on this antenna is then processed by the contactless control and processing module 10, which compares the level of this received signal with a predetermined threshold S2. This comparison can, for example, be performed periodically, over a given period, using comparison means 40.At the end of this period or when the threshold is exceeded, then the contactless control and processing module 10 commands the switch 20 to switch to the first additional antenna AA1, in order to confirm or deny the payment method detected via the second additional antenna AA2.

[0067] Thus, if the signal level received on this antenna exceeds the threshold S2, a contactless payment method is detected, and it is confirmed if the signal level received by the first additional antenna AA1 is below a predetermined threshold S1. This comparison is also implemented by the comparison means 40 implemented in the contactless control and processing module 10. Indeed, if the antenna best suited to detect a contactless payment method (the first additional antenna AA1 in this embodiment) receives little or no signal when a card approaches the electronic payment terminal, this means that the card is being approached for payment via one of the two card readers (chip or magnetic stripe). Conversely, if both additional antennas receive a sufficiently strong signal (i.e.(respectively above the S1 and S2 thresholds), this indicates a top approach to the card, for a contactless payment method.

[0068] It is also possible to select the first additional antenna first and then the second, according to the same principle.

[0069] It should be noted that a differential measurement of the signal levels received by the two additional antennas allows for fine-tuning the positioning and approach of the user's card, for example, when the received signals are too close to the predetermined thresholds used for comparisons. For instance, if a reader payment method is detected (due to the signal level received on the additional antenna AA2 and the weak or absent signal received by the first additional antenna AA1), it is possible to compare the signals received by these two antennas to ensure that the difference in levels is significant and that a contactless approach is not being considered. Conversely, if the levels of the two signals received by the two additional antennas are very close, even below a threshold for either one, it is likely that a contactless payment approach is being detected.

[0070] The second variant, illustrated in the figure Fig 3c , This also involves implementing an analog switch 20 (or switch in English), with two channels however, to select one or the other of the two additional antennas AA1 and AA2. These 2 additional antennas are therefore wired on the same receiving chain, with a dedicated contactless control and processing module 14, the switch 20 allowing the two additional antennas AA1 and AA2 to be used sequentially (which are also respectively associated with an adaptation module as already described above).

[0071] Furthermore, as with the second variant of the first embodiment, a dedicated chain for the main AP antenna is implemented, with a dedicated contactless control and processing module 10.

[0072] As with the first variant of this second embodiment, when the electronic payment terminal starts up, the switch 20 is configured to select one of the two additional antennas AA1 or AA2, for example, antenna AA2 (the one best suited to detecting an approach for contact payment). However, it is the CPU that implements the means for activating and deactivating the main antenna (for example, one or more dedicated electronic components, controlled by one or more programs).

[0073] As with the first variant, the switch allows switching to one of the two additional antennas AA1 and AA2. For example, it first detects a contactless payment method via the second additional antenna AA2, then analyzes the signal level of the first antenna. If it is above the SI threshold, then the contactless payment method is detected; otherwise, another payment method is detected. The activation means 30 of the main AP antenna are then triggered, as well as the deactivation means of the two additional antennas.

[0074] The third variant, illustrated in the figure Fig 3d , does not implement a switch but implements three dedicated receiving chains on which the two additional antennas and the main antenna are respectively wired.

[0075] Three contactless control and processing modules 10, 11 and 12 are respectively associated with the main antenna AP, the first additional antenna AA1 and the second additional antenna AA2.

[0076] Therefore, it is the CPU that implements the selection methods (for example, one or more dedicated electronic components, controlled by one or more programs) for one of the two additional antennas, solely for detection purposes, as no communication is initiated between the card and its antennas, as already mentioned above. The signal level received on these additional antennas is then analyzed and compared to predetermined thresholds: if only one antenna detects a signal, the card reader mode (smart or magnetic stripe) is detected, whereas if both additional antennas detect a signal, the contactless mode is detected. The CPU then controls the switch to the main antenna and the deactivation of the additional antennas. The CPU also controls the deactivation of the main antenna at startup.

[0077] The principle of this second embodiment can be reproduced with more than 2 additional antennas, for even greater precision and efficiency in detecting a payment method.

[0078] We now describe, in relation to the figure Fig 4 , the main steps of the process of detecting a payment method via an electronic payment card and an electronic payment terminal as described above according to the different embodiments, with one or two additional detection antennas.

[0079] When the electronic payment terminal is started up, a deactivation step (E10) of the main antenna is implemented to prevent the contactless payment functionality from being triggered as soon as a signal from a card approaching the terminal is detected. A selection step (E11) of the first additional antenna is also implemented to process the signal received via this antenna.

[0080] An initial comparison step (E12) of the signal level received from the electronic payment card by the first additional antenna with a predetermined threshold is then implemented periodically and / or over a predetermined period. If, at the end of this period, a negative comparison result is obtained, then a contactless payment method is detected and the main antenna is not reactivated.

[0081] Conversely, when the signal level is above the threshold, a first positive comparison result is delivered and an E13 activation step of the main antenna is implemented to initiate a contactless transaction between the electronic payment terminal and the electronic payment card.

[0082] This method of detecting a payment method is of course adapted to all the technical embodiments of the electronic payment terminal and additional antennas described above, with the implementation of additional steps of selecting a second additional antenna and a second comparison of the level of the signal received by this antenna in particular.

[0083] Thus, the solution described above, according to the different embodiments, makes it possible to detect the payment method chosen by the user during the approach of their payment card and without triggering the contactless payment functionality when it is not necessary (i.e. when the user inserts their card into the chip card reader or slides it into the magnetic stripe card reader).

Claims

1. An electronic payment terminal comprising a processor (CPU), comprising a first payment card reader for reading a smart card inserted into the first payment card reader for a chipbased payment mode and / or a second payment card reader for reading a magnetic stripe card swiped through the second payment card reader for a magnetic stripe-based payment mode, the terminal further comprising at least one contactless payment antenna for a contactless payment mode, referred to as the main antenna (AP), characterised in that it also comprises a first additional antenna (AA1), said antennas being capable of receiving a signal emitted by an electronic payment card, the first additional antenna (AA1) being positioned such that its detection zone is included within the detection zone of the contactless payment antenna, the positioning of the first additional antenna (AA1) being such that, if the level of the signals received from said electronic payment card by the first additional antenna (AA1) exceeds a first predetermined threshold, said electronic payment card is approaching for contactless payment mode; conversely, if the electronic payment card is approaching for chip-reading payment mode or for magnetic stripe-reading payment mode, the first additional antenna (AA1) does not detect signals of sufficient strength from said electronic payment card, the first additional antenna (AA1) being smaller than the main antenna (AP) and having a weaker field, the terminal being further characterised in that it comprises the following means: - means (30) for activating and deactivating said main antenna (AP); - means (20) for selecting said first additional antenna (AA1); - means (40) for comparing a signal level received from said electronic payment card by said first additional antenna (AA1) with the first predetermined threshold (S1), said comparison means delivering a first comparison result and, if said first comparison result is positive, triggering said activation means (30) for said main antenna (AP) to implement a contactless transaction between said electronic payment terminal and said electronic payment card.

2. An electronic payment terminal according to claim 1, characterised in that said means (20) for selecting and activating and deactivating (30) said main antenna correspond to a switch receiving as input a signal received by said first additional antenna and a signal received by said main antenna and outputting one or the other of said signals received by said first additional antenna and by said main antenna, and in that said comparison means (40) are implemented in at least one contactless control and processing module (10) receiving as input one or the other of said signals received by said first additional antenna and by said main antenna.

3. An electronic payment terminal according to claim 1, characterised in that it further comprises a second contactless control and processing module (11) associated with said first additional antenna, and in that said means for selecting (20) and activating and deactivating (30) said main antenna (AP) are implemented in said processor (CPU).

4. An electronic payment terminal according to claim 1, characterised in that it further comprises a second additional antenna (AA2) capable of receiving a signal transmitted by said electronic payment card, the second additional antenna (AA2) being positioned such that its detection zone is included within the detection zone of the main antenna (AP), the positioning of the first additional antenna (AA1) and the second additional antenna (AA2) enabling the first additional antenna (AA1) to be used to detect the contactless payment mode, and enabling the second additional antenna (AA2) to be used to confirm the chip-reading payment mode or the magnetic stripe-reading payment mode, the second additional antenna (AA2) being smaller than the main antenna (AP) and having a weaker field, the terminal being further characterised in that said selection means (20) select the second additional antenna and said comparison means (40) compare a signal level received from said electronic payment card by said second additional antenna (AA2) with a second predetermined threshold, thereby providing a second comparison result and, if said second comparison result is positive, triggering said activation means (30) of said main antenna (AP) to implement a contactless transaction between said electronic payment terminal and said electronic payment card.

5. An electronic payment terminal according to claim 4, characterised in that said selection means (20) and activation and deactivation means (30) for said main antenna correspond to a switch receiving as input a signal received by said first additional antenna, a signal received by said second additional antenna and a signal received by said main antenna, and outputting one or the other of said signals received by said first additional antenna, said second additional antenna or said main antenna, and in that said comparison means are implemented in at least one contactless control and processing module (10) receiving as input one or other of said signals received by said first additional antenna, said second additional antenna or said main antenna.

6. Electronic payment terminal according to claim 4, characterised in that it further comprises a second control module (14) associated with said first and second additional antennas, and in that said selection means (20) and activation and deactivation means (30) of said main antenna correspond to a switch receiving as input a signal received by said first additional antenna and a signal received by said second additional antenna and outputting one or the other of said signals received by said first additional antenna or said second additional antenna, and in that said comparison means (40) are implemented in said processor (CPU).

7. An electronic payment terminal according to claim 4, characterised in that it further comprises a second contactless control and processing module (11) associated with said first additional antenna and a third contactless control and processing module (12) associated with said second additional antenna, and in that said selection (20) and activation and deactivation means (30) for said main antenna (AP) are implemented in said processor (CPU).

8. A method for detecting an electronic payment mode via an electronic payment card and an electronic payment terminal, characterised in that said electronic payment terminal comprises a first payment card reader for reading a smart card inserted into the first payment card reader for a payment mode by reading the chip and / or a second payment card reader designed to read a magnetic stripe card swiped through the second payment card reader for a payment mode involving reading the magnetic stripe, the terminal further comprising at least one contactless payment antenna, referred to as the main antenna, and a first additional antenna, said antennas being capable of receiving a signal emitted by said electronic payment card, the first additional antenna (AA1) being positioned such that its detection zone is included within the detection zone of the contactless payment antenna, the positioning of the first additional antenna (AA1) being such that, if the level of the signals received from said electronic payment card by the first additional antenna (AA1) exceeds a first predetermined threshold, said electronic payment card is approaching for contactless payment mode; conversely, if the electronic payment card is approaching for chip-reading payment mode or for magnetic stripe-reading payment mode, the first additional antenna (AA1) does not detect signals of sufficient strength from said electronic payment card, the first additional antenna (AA1) being smaller than the main antenna (AP) and having a weaker field, the method being further characterised in that it comprises the following steps implemented in said electronic payment terminal: - a step of deactivating (E10) said main antenna; - a step (E11) of selecting said first additional antenna; - a first step (E12) of comparing a signal level received from said electronic payment card by said first additional antenna with the first predetermined threshold, yielding a first comparison result; and, if said first comparison result is positive, a step (E13) of activating said main antenna to carry out a contactless transaction between said electronic payment terminal and said electronic payment card.

9. A method according to claim 8, characterised in that it further comprises a step of deactivating said first additional antenna.

10. A method according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterised in that said electronic payment terminal further comprises a second additional antenna capable of receiving a signal transmitted by said electronic payment card and in that said method further comprises a second step of comparing a signal level received from said electronic payment card by said second additional antenna with a second predetermined threshold, yielding a second comparison result, and in that said step of activating said main antenna to carry out a contactless transaction between said electronic payment terminal and said electronic payment card is triggered if said second comparison result is positive, the second additional antenna (AA2) being positioned such that its detection zone is included within the detection zone of the main antenna (AP), the positioning of the first additional antenna (AA1) and the second additional antenna (AA2) enabling the first additional antenna (AA1) to be used to detect the contactless payment mode, and enabling the second additional antenna (AA2) to be used to confirm the chip-reading payment mode or the magnetic stripe-reading payment mode, the second additional antenna (AA2) being smaller than the main antenna (AP) and having a weaker field.

11. A method according to claim 10, characterised in that it further comprises a step of deactivating said second additional antenna.