Portable Memory Device for POS Configuration and Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Point-of-sale (POS) terminals lack the capacity to store large amounts of data, limiting their functionality and security, and current methods for configuring and certifying POS devices are time-consuming, error-prone, and expensive, hindering the introduction of new products and increasing fraud risks.
Innovation Solution
A portable non-volatile memory device is used to store software and data, allowing for quick configuration, security enhancements, and extended functionality of POS devices without relying on host-based downloads, enabling offline operations and secure transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If POS terminals use conventional host-based download methods for configuration, then security and control are maintained, but configuration time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the configuration system into two independent parts: a host-based certification authority that provides security certification, and a portable memory device that stores all configuration data and application programs. This segmentation allows the POS terminal to obtain security certification from the host while independently storing and executing configurations locally, eliminating the need for continuous host connectivity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable memory device acts as an intermediary between the host-based certification authority and the POS terminal. It receives certified configuration data and application programs from the host, stores them securely, and provides local execution capability. This intermediary enables the system to maintain security through host certification while achieving fast local configuration without ongoing host dependency.
2Productivity
If POS terminals store all data and applications locally, then configuration speed increases, but storage capacity requirements exceed terminal capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable memory device as an external storage dimension that extends beyond the POS terminal's internal storage limits. This external dimension provides virtually unlimited storage capacity for configuration data and application programs while the terminal itself maintains only minimal local storage for active operation. The dimensional expansion resolves the contradiction between fast local configuration and limited terminal storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional POS terminals support multiple business applications, then functionality increases, but device complexity and certification requirements multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The portable memory device serves as a universal platform that can store multiple different business application programs and configuration sets. Instead of building complex multi-functional capability into each individual terminal, the system uses a single universal terminal hardware platform combined with a portable memory device that can hold any number of applications. This universality reduces terminal complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the application execution environment by separating application storage and execution from the terminal hardware. The portable memory device contains all application programs and their specific configuration data, allowing different applications to be stored and executed on the same terminal without increasing terminal complexity. Each application maintains its own isolated configuration space.
4Reliability
If POS terminals require continuous online connectivity for operations, then security control is maintained, but operational flexibility and fraud prevention decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by obtaining security certification and storing all necessary configuration data and application programs in the portable memory device before the POS terminal needs to operate. Once configured, the terminal can execute transactions independently using the pre-loaded resources. This preliminary certification and loading of secure data enables the terminal to operate flexibly offline while maintaining security control through the pre-certified configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for configuring, altering, controlling, securing, and extending the processing capability and functionality of PCs and POS devices using a non-volatile memory device using software and data carried within the apparatus.