Remote Testing Conduit for Interaction Device Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for testing interaction devices at access devices are burdensome, requiring multiple test devices to be physically distributed to each access device, which is impractical and poses security risks. Additionally, identifying error trends across multiple access devices is challenging due to the need for skilled technicians to manually run tests at remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A testing system that uses a remotely located testing computer and a local mobile device to simulate various interaction devices and scenarios, eliminating the need for physical test devices. The testing computer communicates with the access device through the mobile device, allowing for remote testing of different interaction devices and scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple physical test interaction devices are distributed to each access device for testing, then comprehensive interaction device compatibility can be verified, but the complexity of device distribution and management increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of interaction devices through software emulation on mobile devices. Instead of distributing multiple physical test devices, the system emulates different interaction device types (contactless cards, contact cards, phones, fobs) using software logic stored on a centralized server, which is then downloaded to mobile devices for remote testing. This eliminates the need to physically distribute and manage multiple test devices while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical distribution system of test devices with an electronic/software-based system. The centralized server stores emulation logic for multiple interaction device types, which can be remotely downloaded to mobile devices via wireless communication. This substitution eliminates the logistical complexity of physical device distribution, shipping, tracking, and management across thousands of access devices worldwide.
2Measurement precision
If skilled technicians manually run tests at each remote access device location, then accurate testing can be performed, but the difficulty of locating and deploying qualified technicians increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables unskilled technicians or automated systems to perform testing by providing them with a mobile device containing the testing application. The system guides the testing process automatically, with the mobile device communicating with the access device and reporting results to the centralized server. This eliminates the need for skilled technicians to travel to remote locations, as the testing capability is embedded in the mobile device software that can be used by anyone with minimal training.
3Adaptability or versatility
If test devices are deployed to each access device for testing, then interaction scenarios can be tested, but security risks increase due to potential compromise of test device data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensitive interaction device logic and emulation software from the physical test devices and concentrates it on a centralized secure server. The mobile devices used for testing contain only the necessary communication interface, not the full emulation logic. This separation means that even if a mobile device is compromised, the sensitive protocol data remains protected on the centralized server, significantly reducing security risks while maintaining the ability to test various interaction scenarios.
4Reliability
If multiple test interaction devices are used at each access device, then complete testing coverage is achieved, but the time and resources required for testing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic testing system where the mobile device can remotely download and switch between different interaction device emulation logic from the centralized server. This allows a single mobile device to dynamically adapt and test multiple interaction device types and scenarios sequentially, achieving complete testing coverage without requiring multiple physical devices to be present simultaneously. The system can quickly switch between different test scenarios by loading different emulation logic, significantly reducing testing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing an interaction system response to different types of interaction devices is disclosed. A testing computer can execute various sets of interaction device logic during different test interaction. The testing computer can electronically communicate with an access device during test interaction through a conduit mobile device. As a result, the testing computer can electronically communicate with the access device even when the testing computer is remotely located.