Distributed Electronic Transaction Terminal Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for resource-intensive features and enhanced security in transaction terminals, coupled with the Europay MasterCard Visa EMV migration and changing telecommunication environments, necessitates a cost-effective solution that distributes processing power and memory across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A distributed electronic transaction system comprising a secured human interface module, an electronic scheduler, a hosting device with processing and communication capabilities, and a network gateway, leveraging the mobile telecommunication industry's resources to reduce terminal costs and enhance security through secure communication and protocol translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If processing power and memory size are increased to handle resource-demanding features, then functionality and security are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transaction terminal into multiple components: a simplified terminal device and remote servers. The terminal handles only basic user interface functions (display, keypad, card reading), while complex processing, database management, and application execution are migrated to remote servers. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining functionality through distributed processing while reducing local device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If processing power and memory size are increased to handle resource-demanding features, then functionality and security are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts resource-intensive functions (application execution, database operations, complex transaction processing) from the terminal device and places them on remote servers. The terminal is left with only essential components (display, keypad, card reader), dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full functionality through network connectivity to the server infrastructure.
3Reliability
If security specifications are made more severe to enhance security, then security is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that handles complex security operations including authentication, encryption, and transaction validation. The terminal communicates security-sensitive data to the server, which performs the computationally intensive security operations. This resolves the contradiction by enhancing security through dedicated security infrastructure while keeping the terminal device simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for performing electronic transaction includes: a payment terminal including a human interface module, a first processor, and an internal bus for connecting these elements; a host terminal connectable to the human interface module through a connection; and a security module. The human interface module includes a keyboard, a display, a card reader for reading and authenticating a bank card or credit card. The host terminal includes a second processor, a memory, and a power supply. A transaction terminal task manager is included in the first security module, the first security module being hosted in the host terminal. The human interface module executes transaction phases under control of the security module, and executes security treatments, totally autonomously from the host terminal. The security treatments include presentation of a PIN code to the bank card or credit card.