POS Keypad Membrane Security Using a Serpentine Sensor Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point of sale (POS) terminals lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information through their keypads, as existing systems are vulnerable to probes that can connect with the processor.
Innovation Solution
A serpentine conductive circuit screen printed on a polyester film is integrated between the keypad and the processor in the POS terminal, serving as a security sensor to detect unauthorized probes and trigger a security response, such as deleting sensitive information or alerting authorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a probe is inserted through the keypad to access the processor, then unauthorized access to sensitive information is achieved, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A serpentine conductive circuit is inserted between the keypad and processor to act as an intermediary security layer. This circuit monitors for probe attempts and can disconnect or alert authorities before unauthorized access occurs, resolving the contradiction by adding a protective mediator that prevents harmful access while maintaining legitimate communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The security circuit performs preliminary detection of probe attempts before they can reach the processor. By detecting the presence of a probe through the keypad membrane and taking preventive action (disconnecting or alerting) before unauthorized data access occurs, the system counteracts the harmful effect in advance.
2Reliability
If the serpentine conductive circuit covers the entire polyester film, then security coverage is maximized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The serpentine conductive circuit is selectively applied only to critical security areas of the polyester film rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This localized approach maintains security coverage where needed while reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complete coverage of the entire polyester film, the security circuit is applied partially to the most critical areas. This partial action approach provides sufficient security protection while significantly easing manufacturing requirements compared to full-coverage application.
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 solution significantly enhances the security of POS terminals by detecting and responding to potential threats, ensuring compliance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) 2.0 standards and protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
The serpentine conductive circuit may cover almost all of the polyester film... The security sensor is configured to detect an unauthorized probe through the keypad
Data Source
AI summary
In an exemplary embodiment, a security sensor is present in a POS terminal between the keypad and a processor. The security sensor is configured to detect an unauthorized probe through the keypad and implement a security protocol. In an exemplary embodiment, the security sensor is a serpentine conductive circuit screen printed on the polyester film. The serpentine conductive circuit may cover almost all of the polyester film. For example, the serpentine conductive circuit may cover 90% to 100% of the film. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the serpentine conductive circuit limited to a section of the polyester film. For example, the serpentine conductive circuit may be on only ¼ of the film. This embodiment has the advantage of printing the serpentine conductive circuit on the critical security areas and leaving the non-critical areas with blank polyester film.