Audio Jack Card Payment System Using Acoustic Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current card payment systems lack secure and efficient methods for transmitting and authenticating account information between payment cards and client devices, particularly in contexts where direct electrical connections are not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A card payment system utilizing an audio jack interface to transmit account information and a one-time password between a card payment apparatus and a client device, where the audio jack includes both microphone and earphone contacts, enabling secure authentication through acoustic signals and counter value verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct electrical connections are used for card payment, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and usability are worsened in contexts where direct connection is not feasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses acoustic signals as an intermediary medium to transmit payment information between the card payment apparatus and client device. Instead of requiring direct electrical contact, the system encodes data as acoustic waves that travel through air, allowing communication in contexts where physical connection is not possible while maintaining secure transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system with an acoustic field-based communication system. Electrical signals are converted to acoustic waves for transmission, and then converted back to electrical signals at the receiving end, enabling contactless payment processing that maintains reliability without requiring physical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If acoustic signal transmission is used, then ease of operation is improved, but transmission security is worsened due to potential eavesdropping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtransmission security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication actions before transmission. The card payment apparatus sends a one-time password along with the counter value, and the client device verifies this password against expected values before processing the payment. This preliminary verification ensures that only authorized devices can complete the transaction, securing the acoustic transmission channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the client device sends acoustic signals containing verification requests, and the card payment apparatus responds with authenticated responses. The counter value comparison provides feedback that confirms both devices are synchronized and authorized, creating a secure communication loop that prevents unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If one-time password and counter value verification is implemented, then transmission security is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission securityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universal audio jack interface to perform multiple functions: transmitting payment data, verifying counter values, authenticating devices, and maintaining synchronization. By using a single existing hardware interface for multiple security-critical functions, the system avoids adding complex dedicated security hardware while still achieving robust transmission security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates secure and efficient transmission and authentication of account information, allowing for secure card payments without the need for direct electrical connections, enhancing security and usability in various payment scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

transmit the account information and the onetime password via a microphone contact of the audio jack

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

receive an acoustic signal via at least one earphone contact of the audio jack

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS9135617B2Card payment system

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 KT CORP

AI summary

In one example embodiment, a card payment system includes a card payment apparatus, having an audio jack, configured to: read account information stored on a payment card, encode a counter value of the card payment apparatus into a onetime password, transmit the account information and onetime password via a microphone contact of the audio jack, and receive an acoustic signal via at least one earphone contact of the audio jack; and a client device, having an audio jack socket to receive the audio jack, configured to: receive the account information and onetime password via the microphone contact, transmit, to the card payment apparatus, the acoustic signal via the at least one earphone contact, decode the onetime password into the counter value, and authenticate the card payment apparatus based on the counter value of the card payment apparatus and a counter value of the client device.