Flexible Web Orifice for Secure Payment Terminal Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current payment terminals lack the capability to securely integrate cash register functions and ensure accurate, visible display of transaction information, making them vulnerable to fraud and non-compliance with PCI standards.

Innovation Solution

A secure system is implemented using a flexible web with an orifice to apply pressure on a metal contact dome, forming a gangue around a deformable pressurizing element, which detects attempts to dismantle or alter the terminal, ensuring secure data transmission and visibility of the second display screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a second display screen is added to the terminal to show transaction information, then the visibility and readability of transaction data is improved, but the security of the terminal is worsened due to increased vulnerability to fraud and PCI compliance issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of display screenVSAvoidsecurity of terminal
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested security structure where a flexible web with orifice is positioned over the second display screen, creating layers of protection. The deformable pressurizing element is nested within the flexible web structure, and the entire assembly is integrated into the terminal housing. This nested arrangement allows the screen to be visible and functional while multiple protective layers prevent unauthorized access and tampering, thus maintaining both visibility and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the terminal is made portable and compact, then the ease of operation and usability is improved, but the security protection capability is worsened due to reduced space for security features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability of terminalVSAvoidsecurity protection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible web with orifice as a thin film security feature that can be integrated into the compact terminal structure. This flexible web provides security protection without requiring significant space, as it can be laminated or attached to existing terminal components. The deformable pressurizing element also utilizes minimal space while providing effective security through its pressure-sensitive detection capability. This allows the terminal to maintain portability and compactness while incorporating robust security features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the flexible web orifice diameter is made smaller than the metal contact dome diameter, then the security detection capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity detection capabilityVSAvoidalignment precision of orifice and dome
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise dimensional parameters for the flexible web orifice and metal contact dome, with the orifice diameter being smaller than the dome diameter. This parameter relationship is carefully defined to ensure proper security detection functionality. The invention accepts the resulting manufacturing precision requirements as necessary to achieve the enhanced security detection capability, where the specific size relationship between orifice and dome enables detection of unauthorized access attempts while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides a secure and visible second display screen that meets PCI standards, preventing fraud and ensuring accurate data logging, while maintaining the terminal's portability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable pressurizing element, which detects attempts to dismantle or alter the terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a deformable pressurizing element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2824627B1Method for securing an electronic payment device
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 COMPAGNIE INDUSTRIELLE ET FINANCIERE D INGENIERIE INGENICO SA
  • EP2824627B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2824627B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2824627B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for securing a component of a terminal. According to the invention, such a system comprises a flexible sheet, said flexible sheet having an orifice. This orifice is used to allow the application of pressure, by a deformable pressure-generating element, on a metallic contact dome. The flexible sheet forms a sheath around at least a portion of said deformable pressure-generating element.