Contactless Payment Terminal Function Selection via NFC Field Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contactless payment systems require physical interaction with the payment terminal to select functions, such as printing receipts, which is inconvenient and may pose health risks, especially during the health crisis, and existing solutions like movement detection systems require additional components like optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses electromagnetic field modulations to select functions on a contactless payment terminal by detecting the modulation frequency of the field emitted by the terminal, allowing users to choose functions without direct contact through NFC communication, using a 'tap' of their payment device to modulate the field and select functions based on the number of taps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the payment terminal uses traditional contactless NFC communication for transactions, then the transaction process is simplified and contactless, but the user cannot select functions (such as receipt printing) without physical contact with the terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the existing NFC communication capability with function selection by detecting modulations in the electromagnetic field already being used for contactless transactions. The payment terminal's NFC antenna detects amplitude modulations caused by the user's payment device, allowing function selection through the same contactless interface used for payments, thus combining transaction and control functions into one interaction mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field acts as an intermediary between the user's payment device and the payment terminal's control functions. By detecting modulations in this field caused by the user's device, the terminal can infer user intent for function selection without requiring direct physical contact with buttons or interfaces, using the field itself as the communication medium.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the payment terminal prints receipts by default to ensure customers receive proof of purchase, then customer information needs are met, but waste production increases and consumer health risks arise from ink and paper chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables customers to autonomously control receipt printing by using their own payment device to detect electromagnetic field modulations and send selection signals. This self-service approach allows customers to make informed decisions about whether they need a physical receipt, reducing unnecessary printing while ensuring those who do need receipts receive them, thus balancing environmental concerns with information delivery needs.
3Ease of operation
If the payment terminal integrates an optical sensor for movement detection to enable contactless function selection, then contactless interaction is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing NFC antenna serve multiple functions: it continues to enable contactless transaction processing while simultaneously detecting electromagnetic field modulations for function selection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical sensors or movement detection components, as the same hardware infrastructure supports both payment processing and user interface control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a separate optical sensing system that would detect physical movements, the patent copies the detection capability into the electromagnetic domain by detecting amplitude modulations in the NFC field. This allows the system to infer user intent through field variations rather than direct optical movement detection, using an existing capability to achieve a new function.
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 users to select functions like printing receipts or sending them via email without physical contact, reducing interaction risks and eliminating the need for additional components like optical sensors, while maintaining the convenience of contactless transactions.
Implementation Method 1
This type of contactless payment uses near field communication (NFC) technology. This short-range high-frequency wireless communication technology allows the exchange of information between peripherals up to a distance of about 10 cm.
Implementation Method 2
The payment device then responds by retro-modulation of the incident wave, which allows the payment device and the EPT to exchange transaction information by amplitude modulation of the electromagnetic field.
Implementation Method 3
detection by the payment terminal of at least one modulation of the emitted electromagnetic field, said at least one modulation resulting from at least one touch of the payment device on the payment terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing modulations of an electromagnetic field of a contactless payment terminal. Said contactless payment terminal emits an electromagnetic field to establish a near-field communication (NFC) with a user's payment device. In particular, the method includes the following steps, which are carried out inside the payment terminal: —detecting, by means of the payment terminal, at least one modulation of the emitted electromagnetic field, the at least one modulation resulting from at least one touch of the payment device on the payment terminal, —determining a modulation frequency N of the electromagnetic field emitted by the payment terminal, said frequency N being a number greater than or equal to 1 and corresponding to N touches of the payment device on the payment terminal, —selecting at least one function on the payment terminal according to the modulation frequency N of the determined electromagnetic field.