Browser Extension for Payment Terminal USB Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Businesses using electronic cash registers and SaaS applications face challenges in managing and communicating with payment terminals due to the inability of traditional browsers to communicate through USB connections and the need for frequent reconfiguration of connections with dynamically updated IP addresses, especially when dealing with multiple payment terminals.
Innovation Solution
The system enables continuous, secured connectivity between payment terminals and SaaS systems via TCP/IP protocol, using an IP registry service to automatically update IP addresses and a custom DNS service to overcome SSL security issues, allowing communication through a web browser by assigning a spoof domain name that matches the SSL certificate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional web browsers are used to communicate with payment terminals, then web-based SaaS applications can be accessed, but USB communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A browser extension acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the web browser environment and USB communication protocols. The extension injects communication capabilities into the browser, allowing SaaS applications to access payment terminals through USB connections while maintaining web-based accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If payment terminals use dynamically updated IP addresses, then network flexibility is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to frequent reconfiguration needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the SaaS application continuously monitors network conditions and automatically detects IP address changes of payment terminals. When an IP change is detected, the system automatically re-establishes connections without requiring manual reconfiguration, thus maintaining connection stability while supporting dynamic IP addresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing connection pools and pre-configuring communication channels before IP address changes occur. This allows the system to quickly adapt to IP changes by switching to pre-prepared connection paths, reducing the impact of dynamic IP updates on connection stability.
3Reliability
If SSL security protocols are enforced for secure communication, then data security is improved, but browser-to-terminal communication fails due to certificate mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The browser extension serves as a security intermediary that handles SSL certificate verification between the browser and payment terminal. It presents appropriate certificates to the browser while maintaining secure encrypted communication channels, thus resolving the certificate mismatch issue while preserving SSL security protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the SSL certificate chain that is compatible with browser security requirements. By presenting a browser-compatible certificate copy through the extension, the system enables secure HTTPS communication between web browsers and payment terminals that would otherwise have certificate incompatibility issues.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to communication with payment terminals via TCP/IP protocol. Using network technology and novel processes, in particular embodiments, the present systems and methods facilitate local network discovery and communication between a payment terminal and an electronic cash register (“ECR”) via a browser. For example, in certain embodiments, the present systems and methods leverage TCP/IP network technology to securely facilitate communications between SaaS ECR software running in a browser environment and one or more payment terminals.