Payment Reader Message Dispatcher for Secure Transaction Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic transaction processing systems using magnetic strips are susceptible to fraud due to the lack of encryption, and existing secure systems like EMV and NFC may not fully address the need for efficient and secure transaction processing across various payment devices and protocols.
Innovation Solution
A payment reader system that facilitates communication between a point-of-sale application and payment devices like EMV chip cards or NFC-enabled devices, using near field communication and encryption to process transactions securely, with a modular architecture that includes a message dispatcher and functional modules for handling different transaction types and protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic strip payment cards are used for transactions, then ease of operation is improved, but transaction security deteriorates due to lack of encryption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a payment reader as an intermediary device between the magnetic strip card and the transaction processing system. The reader includes a message dispatcher that intercepts and processes communication messages, adding security functionality without requiring changes to the existing magnetic strip card infrastructure. This mediator approach enables enhanced security while maintaining compatibility with existing ease-of-use magnetic strip cards.
2Reliability
If EMV chip cards with passive electronic circuits are used, then transaction security is improved through encryption, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The payment reader acts as an intermediary that provides message dispatching and processing capabilities without requiring the card itself to be more complex. The system separates the security functionality into the reader device, allowing simpler cards to be used while still achieving secure encrypted transactions through the reader's message processing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The payment reader is segmented into functional modules including a message dispatcher that handles different message types (application layer, transport layer, data link layer). This segmentation allows the system to process complex security requirements through modular components rather than requiring overall system complexity to increase uniformly.
3Ease of operation
If NFC-enabled devices are used for contactless payments, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to wireless communication vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The payment reader serves as a trusted intermediary that mediates all NFC wireless communications. By intercepting and processing messages at the application layer before they reach the transport and data link layers, the system adds security validation to the contactless payment process without requiring users to change their ease-of-use NFC interaction methods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular architecture with message dispatcher is implemented, then adaptability to different payment protocols is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The payment reader is divided into distinct functional modules with a message dispatcher that routes different message types to appropriate handlers. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to various payment protocols (magnetic strip, EMV, NFC) by adding or configuring specific message handling modules without redesigning the entire system, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The message dispatcher is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple message formats and protocols through a single interface. This multi-functional design allows the same core architecture to support different payment technologies, reducing the need for separate specialized systems and managing overall device complexity.
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 system enhances transaction security by encrypting payment information and efficiently processing transactions across various payment devices and protocols, reducing fraud and improving transaction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Power is provided to the passive electronic circuit by a payment terminal that either physically engages with the passive electronic circuit or that provides power by inductive coupling of a wireless carrier signal that is transmitted by the payment terminal
Implementation Method 2
The electronic device and payment terminal communicate by modulating the wireless carrier signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A payment reader includes a payment interface and a plurality of firmware modules. The firmware modules include a message dispatcher module and a plurality of functional modules, which include a payment module associated with the payment interface and a transaction processing module that is associated with processing of payment information. The message dispatcher module provides messages that result in execution of the functional modules. A first message type is associated with concurrent operation of the functional modules and a second message type is associated with the ordered processing of the functional modules.