Magnetic Stripe Transmission Device for POS Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved methods to transmit payment card data from smartphones or electronic devices to Point of Sale (POS) transaction terminals, as existing alternatives like 2D barcodes and NFC face barriers due to lack of suitable reading devices and standardized capabilities in many smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A baseband near-field magnetic stripe data transmitter system that uses a mobile phone, a magnetic stripe transmission (MST) device, and a payment button to transmit payment card data by generating high energy magnetic pulses, which are picked up remotely by a magnetic read head, eliminating the need for physical contact or proximity to the reader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If 2D barcodes or NFC are used for mobile payments, then data transfer capability is improved, but device compatibility and infrastructure availability deteriorate due to lack of suitable reading devices at POS terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the magnetic stripe signal characteristics and transmits them through a magnetic field generated by an inductor. Instead of using proprietary 2D barcode or NFC protocols that require specific readers, the system reproduces the familiar magnetic stripe signal format that existing POS terminals can already read, thereby achieving backward compatibility while enabling mobile payment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium from optical (2D barcodes) or electromagnetic radio frequencies (NFC) to magnetic fields. By using an inductor to generate magnetic pulses that mimic credit card magnetic stripe signals, the system transitions to a parameter set that existing POS magnetic stripe readers can directly process without requiring new hardware infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual keying of data is used, then device compatibility is maintained, but transaction time and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of manually typing data with an automated magnetic field transmission system. The inductor generates magnetic pulses that automatically transmit payment data to the POS terminal, eliminating the need for manual data entry while maintaining compatibility with existing magnetic stripe reading infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the mobile device to autonomously transmit payment information through magnetic field generation without requiring user intervention for data entry. The inductor and control circuitry automatically handle the data transmission process, making the transaction faster and more convenient while working with existing POS hardware
3Speed
If NFC hardware is integrated into smartphones, then data transfer speed is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inductor as an intermediary component that generates magnetic fields to transmit data. Rather than requiring complex NFC radio frequency circuitry integrated into every smartphone, the system uses a simple inductor that can be added to existing devices to enable magnetic stripe transmission, thereby achieving fast data transfer without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor serves multiple functions: it generates magnetic fields for data transmission, mimics magnetic stripe signals for compatibility, and can be integrated into various device form factors. This multi-functional component enables fast data transfer while avoiding the need for complex proprietary NFC hardware in each smartphone
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
Enables secure and convenient transmission of payment card data from a distance, compatible with existing POS infrastructure, reducing transaction time and enhancing security through dynamic CVV and cryptographically generated tokens, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor is driven by a series of timed current pulses that result in a series of high energy magnetic pulses that resemble the fluctuating magnetic field created by a moving magnetic stripe
Implementation Method 2
The emitted high energy magnetic pulses are configured to be picked up remotely by a magnetic read head
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a baseband near field magnetic stripe data transmitter includes a mobile phone, a magnetic stripe transmission (MST) device and a payment button. The mobile phone includes a payment wallet application and is configured to transmit a stream of pulses including magnetic stripe data of a payment card. The MST device includes a driver and an inductor, and the MST device is configured to receive the stream of pulses from the mobile phone, to amplify and shape the received stream of pulses and to generate and emit high energy magnetic pulses including the magnetic stripe data of the payment card. The inductor is driven by a series of timed current pulses that result in a series of high energy magnetic pulses that resemble the fluctuating magnetic field created by a moving magnetic stripe. The payment button is programmed to be associated with a pre-selected payment card and activating of the payment button initiates the emission of high energy magnetic pulses including the magnetic stripe data of the pre-selected payment card.