POS Terminal Pairing With Payment Object Readers via Motion-Based RSSI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pairing a payment object reader with a point-of-sale terminal are inefficient, particularly when multiple readers are present, as they rely on complex alphanumeric identifiers that are difficult to distinguish and do not account for varying hardware and software configurations, leading to errors and security risks.
Innovation Solution
The system uses motion-based pairing technology that measures received signal strength indication (RSSI) and differential signal levels to automatically identify and connect the intended payment object reader with the POS terminal, utilizing visual authentication data through LEDs and sensor feedback to ensure secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pairing using complex alphanumeric identifiers is used, then device identification is possible, but ease of operation deteriorates and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical interaction of typing and selecting alphanumeric identifiers with an automated optical recognition system. The payment terminal captures images of the reader's display screen showing its identifier, and an image processing system automatically extracts and verifies the identifier, eliminating the need for manual typing and selection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that acts as a mediator between the payment terminal and the reader identifier. Instead of directly displaying and requiring manual input of complex alphanumeric identifiers, the system captures an image of the identifier display, processes it to extract the identifier, and uses this to automatically pair the devices.
2Ease of operation
If automatic pairing based on fixed RSSI thresholds is used, then ease of operation improves, but reliability deteriorates due to hardware and software configuration variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed, static RSSI thresholds with dynamic threshold determination. The system calculates pairing thresholds based on the specific hardware and software configurations of both the payment terminal and reader, including factors like Bluetooth version, signal propagation characteristics, and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation maintains high reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for pairing decision from fixed threshold values to configuration-based dynamic thresholds. Instead of using a universal fixed RSSI threshold that works poorly across different devices, the system determines appropriate threshold values by analyzing the specific hardware and software parameters of the involved devices, thereby improving both automation and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple readers are present, then system versatility improves, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the visual display aspect of readers, where each reader presents its unique identifier on its display screen. The payment terminal captures images of these displays, and the image processing system extracts identifiers from the visual information. This approach leverages the visual channel to differentiate between multiple readers, making identification straightforward even when several readers are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the reader's identifier display and processes this copy to extract the identifier. Instead of requiring direct interaction with the reader's electronic interface or manual input, the system captures an image (visual copy) of the identifier display and uses image processing to automatically extract the identifying information, simplifying the detection process among multiple readers.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for pairing a payment object reader with a computing device are described. An example method includes detecting, by a computing device and while in a pairing mode, a plurality of payment object readers. Each of the plurality of payment object readers is configurable to be paired wirelessly with the computing device. Each of the plurality of payment object readers outputs a signal strength representative of a location of the payment object reader relative to the computing device. The computing device tracks respective signal strengths of the plurality of payment object readers over time. Based on a determination that a change in a signal strength of a particular payment object reader of the plurality of payment object readers represents movement of the particular payment object reader relative to the computing device, a wireless communication channel is established between the particular payment object reader and the computing device.