Optical Coupling Device for Secure Banking Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers are hesitant to use short-distance radio transmission methods for banking transactions due to security concerns and sensitivity issues, and existing secure payment terminals are costly.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost method for secure local banking transactions using optical transmission between telecommunications terminals, employing an optical tunnel with a light-emitting diode and camera for bidirectional communication without electromagnetic flux or electrical consumption, ensuring secure and visible data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If NFC (Near Field Communication) is used for short-distance radio transmission, then banking transactions can be carried out remotely and locally, but security concerns and customer sensitivity to radio waves increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio frequency electromagnetic transmission (NFC) with optical transmission using visible light. The optical transmitter converts electrical signals to optical signals that travel through an optical tunnel to the optical receiver, eliminating radio wave transmission while maintaining communication functionality. This substitution addresses security concerns by using light instead of radio waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical tunnel as an intermediary physical medium for signal transmission. The tunnel with reflective internal surface guides the optical signals between terminals, providing a controlled transmission path that enhances security perception while enabling reliable communication without direct radio wave exposure.
2Reliability
If dedicated payment terminals (POS terminals) are deployed for secure transactions, then transaction security is recognized by customers, but cost becomes prohibitive for merchants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables standard telecommunications terminals (smartphones, tablets) to perform secure banking transactions through optical coupling. By making the communication capability universal across common devices rather than requiring dedicated POS terminals, the system reduces deployment costs while maintaining security through optical transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical communication system that replicates the security functionality of expensive POS terminals using inexpensive components. The optical transmitter and receiver, combined with the optical tunnel, copy the secure transaction capability without requiring the full POS terminal infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If optical transmission is used between terminals, then cost is reduced and security is improved, but device complexity increases due to optical coupling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible optical tunnel structure with a thin reflective internal surface that can be integrated into standard terminals. This flexible design simplifies the optical coupling mechanism compared to rigid optical systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining optical transmission 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
Provides a secure, inexpensive, and visible optical wireless communication solution for banking transactions, alleviating customer concerns about security and reducing costs compared to traditional payment terminals.
Implementation Method 1
The optical tunnel is, according to one embodiment, a conduit with an internal reflective surface to ensure the optical transmission of the signal between the first surface and the second contact surface.
Implementation Method 2
According to one embodiment, the optical transmitter and receiver of at least one mobile telecommunications terminal are respectively a light-emitting diode and a camera.
Implementation Method 3
According to one embodiment, the optical transmitter and receiver of at least one mobile telecommunications terminal are respectively a light-emitting diode and a camera.
Data Source
Figure 1a~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical coupling device (COU) between two telecommunication terminals (TM1, TM2), each equipped with an optical transmitter and receiver. The device comprises: - an optical tunnel (TUN), - a first contact surface (IF1) intended to accommodate a terminal and to ensure optical coupling between the optical tunnel and, on the one hand, the optical transmitter and, on the other hand, the optical receiver of this terminal, - a second contact surface (IF2) intended to ensure optical coupling between the optical tunnel and, on the one hand, the optical transmitter and, on the other hand, the optical receiver of the other terminal.