| US20070191070A1 | 2007-08-16 | |||
| US20120243163A1 | 2012-09-27 | |||
| US20070268261A1 | 2007-11-22 | |||
| US9053376B2 | 2015-06-09 |
| CLAIMS A mobile electronic payment terminal, or a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone operating as a payment terminal, to securely process electronic payments, the terminal or electronic device comprising: a housing having a first side comprising a touch-sensitive display screen to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments; and the housing having a second side comprising a data entry keypad to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments, wherein the data entry keypad is usable by the visually impaired. A mobile electronic payment terminal, or a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone operating as a payment terminal, to securely process electronic payments, the terminal or electronic device comprising: a housing having a first side comprising a touch-sensitive display screen to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments; and a data entry keypad usable by the visually impaired to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments, wherein the data entry keypad is in communication with the terminal or electronic device and the data entry keypad is separate from the terminal or electronic device. The payment terminal or electronic device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the data entry keypad is tactile comprising a plurality of keys having embossed or raised numbers, characters and/or symbols. The payment terminal or electronic device of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the touch-sensitive display screen: covers a substantial area of the first side of the housing; and/or facilitates functions in addition to the secure processing of electronic payments. The payment terminal or electronic device of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more of the following detachable attachments: a scanner; a printer; a power source. The payment terminal or electronic device of any preceding claim, wherein the data entry keypad is compliant with one more security protocols and/or standards for the secure processing of electronic payments, such as, but not limited to PCI PTS. The payment terminal or electronic device of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the data entry keypad is: i) attachable to and detachable from the payment terminal or electronic device via a holster, carrier, bracket, mounting, casing, fastener or the like; and/or ii) in communication with the terminal or electronic device via a wireless communications protocol, such as Bluetooth, or via a wired connection. |
PAYMENT TERMINALS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to the field of electronic payments and electronic payment terminals and mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phones operating as payment terminals.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic payments are now ubiquitous and are preferred in many scenarios over cash or other forms of payment due to the speed of processing, traceability, security, hygiene and convenience, such as obviating the need to carry cash, handle change or write a cheque. Electronic payments are typically effected by a payment apparatus interacting with an electronic payment terminal at the point of sale (POS). The payment apparatus can be in the form of a debit card or a credit card associated with a financial account. The debit or credit card may be stored on a mobile phone, or other electronic device, usually in some tokenised or virtualised form of the payment apparatus. The debit card, credit card, mobile phone or other electronic device is then presented to, and interacts with, the payment terminal to effect payment. Mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phones can also operate as payment terminals.
[0003] Electronic payment terminals are well known and typically include a screen to display transaction information, a keypad, for example to enter a personal identification number (PIN), one or more of a magnetic stripe reader, a smart card reader and a contactless reader, various communications features and security features. Electronic payment terminals are typically compact, mobile devices which facilitate processing electronic transactions in a wide range of scenarios. For example, in a restaurant, a portable payment terminal can be brought to a diner’s table to effect payment.
[0004] One problem that exists with at least some known electronic payment terminals is they are difficult to use by the visually impaired. For example, it can be difficult or impossible for the visually impaired to enter their security information, e.g. their PIN, via a conventional physical keypad, or via a virtual keypad displayed on a screen.
[0005] This problem has been addressed by some known electronic payment terminals by providing a tactile keypad comprising a plurality of keys having embossed or raised characters and/or symbols such that the visually impaired can locate specific keys to enter their security information.
[0006] However, electronic payment terminals have evolved such that a large proportion of the terminal is occupied by a screen to display transaction information and other information. The screen is typically a touch-sensitive display screen which displays a virtual keypad to allow customers to enter their security information. Such terminals are therefore difficult or impossible for the visually impaired to use because they have difficulty locating, or cannot locate, the specific keys to enter their security information.
[0007] There is therefore a need for an improved electronic payment terminal that addresses this problem.
[0008] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A preferred object of the present invention is to provide an improved electronic payment terminal that addresses, or at least ameliorates the aforementioned problem and/or provides a useful commercial alternative.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] According to one aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a mobile electronic payment terminal or a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone operating as a payment terminal, to securely process electronic payments, the terminal or electronic device having a housing comprising: a first side comprising a touch-sensitive display screen to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments; and a second side comprising a data entry keypad to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments, wherein the data entry keypad is usable by the visually impaired.
[0011] According to another aspect, the present invention resides in a mobile electronic payment terminal, or a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone operating as a payment terminal, to securely process electronic payments, the terminal or electronic device comprising: a housing having a first side comprising a touch-sensitive display screen to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments; and a data entry keypad usable by the visually impaired to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments, wherein the data entry keypad is in communication with the terminal or electronic device and the data entry keypad is separate from the terminal or electronic device.
[0012] Suitably, the data entry keypad is tactile comprising a plurality of keys having embossed or raised numbers, characters and/or symbols. For example, at least some of the numbers, characters and/or symbols are represented in Braille. [0013] Suitably, the touch-sensitive display screen covers a substantial area of the first side of the housing.
[0014] Suitably, the touch-sensitive display screen facilitates functions in addition to the secure processing of electronic payments, including entry of security information, such as a PIN on the touch-sensitive display screen for the non- visually impaired or for those who may not want to leave a fingerprint on the touch-sensitive display screen when entering the PIN.
[0015] Suitably, the electronic payment terminal or electronic device further comprises one or more of the following detachable attachments: a scanner; a printer; a power source.
[0016] To facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments, the data entry keypad is compliant with one more known security protocols and/or standards for the secure processing of electronic payments, such as, but not limited to PCI PTS. [0017] Suitably, the data entry keypad is: i) attachable to and detachable from the payment terminal or electronic device via a holster, carrier, bracket, mounting, casing, fastener or the like; and/or ii) in communication with the terminal or electronic device via a wireless communications protocol, such as Bluetooth, or via a wired connection.
[0018] Further features and/or aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments and aspects of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:
[0020] FIG 1 is an isometric view of a mobile electronic payment terminal according to embodiments of the present invention showing a first side of the payment terminal comprising a touch-sensitive display screen;
[0021] FIG 2 is an isometric view of the mobile electronic payment terminal shown in FIG 1 showing a second side of the payment terminal comprising a data entry keypad usable by the visually impaired;
[0022] FIG 3 is an enlarged view of the data entry keypad usable by the visually impaired shown in FIG 2;
[0023] FIG 4 is a plan view of the first side of the mobile electronic payment terminal shown in FIG 1 showing the touch-sensitive display screen displaying a keypad;
[0024] FIG 5 is a side view of the mobile electronic payment terminal shown in FIG 1 ;
[0025] FIG 6 is a plan view of the second side of the mobile electronic payment terminal shown in FIG 1 ;
[0026] FIG 7 is a plan view of a separate data entry keypad usable by the visually impaired;
[0027] FIG 8 is a top view of the data entry keypad shown in FIG 7;
[0028] FIG 9 is a side view of the data entry keypad shown in FIG 7; [0029] FIG 10 shows a plan view of the data entry keypad shown in FIG 7 and a plan view of a mobile electronic payment terminal;
[0030] FIG 11 is a plan view of a mobile electronic device in the form of a mobile phone;
[0031] FIG 12 is a side view of the mobile phone shown in FIG 11 showing the data entry keypad shown in FIG 7 attached thereto; and
[0032] FIG 13 is a rear view of the mobile phone and the data entry keypad attached thereto.
[0033] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity, have not necessarily been drawn to scale and may be schematic in nature. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to mobile electronic payment terminals, or mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phones operating as payment terminals for securely processing electronic transactions.
[0035] With reference to FIGS 1 and 2, a mobile electronic payment terminal 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention comprises a body or housing 102 having a first side 104 and a second side 106. In the embodiment shown, the first side 104 can be considered to be the front side of the payment terminal 100 and the second side 106 can be considered to be the rear side, or the reverse side of the payment terminal 100. Hence, the first side 104 is opposite the second side 106 in the embodiment shown.
[0036] The first side 104 of the payment terminal 100 comprises a touch-sensitive display screen 108, which can be of any known type used for electronic payment terminals. The touch-sensitive display screen 108 facilitates the entry of sales, the secure processing of electronic payments, and other functions associated with point of sale (POS) activities. For example, the touch-sensitive display screen 108 can be coupled to a contactless reader which enables a user to place their payment apparatus, such as a payment card or mobile phone, adjacent the touch-sensitive display screen 108, or another area of the payment terminal 100, to effect payment by near-field communications (NFC) protocols.
[0037] In the embodiment shown, the first side 104 of the payment terminal 100 comprises a smart card reader having a slot 120 for receiving a payment card. The slot 120 of the smart card reader is provided in downwardly curving portion 122 of the housing 102.
[0038] FIG 4 shows the touch-sensitive display screen 108 facilitating the secure processing of electronic payments by displaying a virtual keypad 110 to enable a user to enter their security information, e.g. their PIN.
[0039] In the embodiments shown, the touch-sensitive display screen 108 covers a substantial area of the first side 104 of the housing 102 to maximise the area available to display information.
[0040] With particular reference to FIGS 2, 3 and 6, the second side 106 of the housing 102 comprises a data entry keypad 112 to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments. The data entry keypad 112 is usable by the visually impaired. In some embodiments, the data entry keypad 112 is tactile comprising a plurality of keys 114 having embossed or raised numbers, characters and/or symbols 116. For example, at least some of the numbers, characters and/or symbols are represented in Braille, or some other identification to enable the visually impaired to locate and identify the keys. In some embodiments, the numbers, characters and/or symbols can be printed on the keys 114.
[0041] Hence, if a visually impaired user is unable to use the touch-sensitive display screen 108 on the first side 104 of the payment terminal 100, the visually impaired user can use the data entry keypad 112 on the second side 106 of the payment terminal 100. In the embodiment shown, the payment terminal 100 can simply be turned over to present the data entry keypad 112 on the second side 106 to the visually impaired user.
[0042] It will be appreciated that the data entry keypad 112 on the second side 106 of the payment terminal 100 can also be used by users who are not visually impaired. For example, in the event a problem occurs with the touch-sensitive display screen 108 on the first side 104 of the payment terminal, the data entry keypad 112 would provide another means by which users could enter their security information. [0043] To facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments, the data entry keypad 112 and the virtual keypad 110 displayed by the touch-sensitive display screen 108 are compliant with one more known security protocols and/or standards for the secure processing of electronic payments, such as, but not limited to Payment Card Industry (PCI) Pin Transaction Security (PTS) security standards.
[0044] The secure collection of payment details is performed via one or more protocols known in the art, such as, but not limited to one or more of Europay, Mastercard, Visa (EMV) protocols as defined by EMVCo, LLC and/or one or more MIFARE protocols using, for example, an appropriate kernel, such as an EMV kernel or other kernel, via NFC or other communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, via communication hardware in the electronic payment terminal 100.
[0045] According to some embodiments, the electronic payment terminal 100 further comprises one or more detachable attachments. For example, the payment terminal 100 can comprise a detachable body 124 comprising a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery. The payment terminal 100 can, for example, be placed on a dock, or docking station to recharge the battery as is known in the art. The detachable body 124 can comprise other technical features of the payment terminal 100, such as communications elements, ports and/or connectors. The electronic payment terminal 100 can comprise a detachable printer, for example, for printing receipts. The electronic payment terminal 100 can comprise a detachable scanner for scanning, for example, barcodes, QR codes or other information.
[0046] With particular reference to FIG 3, the data entry keypad 112 is provided in a recessed area 118 on the second side 106 of the payment terminal 100, which assists in avoiding inadvertent operation of the data entry keypad 112 when, for example, the touch-sensitive display screen 108 on the first side 104 of the payment terminal 100 is being used. The form of the housing 102 of the payment terminal 100 also assists in preventing inadvertent operation of the data entry keypad 112. For example, with particular reference to FIGS 1 and 5, the downwardly curving portion 122 of the housing 102 and the detachable body 124 at the opposite end of the housing 102 elevate the second side 106 of the payment terminal 100 at an angle above a surface such that the keys of the data entry keypad 112 are not pressed when the second side 106 is placed on the surface. Alternatively, software running on the payment terminal 100 will enable the tactile keypad 112 and disable the touch-sensitive display screen 108 via an operator selectable option on the touch-sensitive display screen 108. This operation can be reversed by the operator either via a key sequence on the tactile keypad 112 or via a menu option on the touch-sensitive display screen 108.
[0047] It is envisaged that in other embodiments of the electronic payment terminal 100 the housing can have a different form factor to that shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, the relative positions of the touch-sensitive display screen 108 and the data entry keypad 112 can vary according to the shape and configuration of the housing of the payment terminal 100.
[0048] FIGS 7, 8 and 9 show a standalone or separate data entry keypad 130 usable by the visually impaired to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments. Data entry keypad 130 is tactile comprising a plurality of keys 114 having embossed or raised numbers, characters and/or symbols 116. In some embodiments, the numbers, characters and/or symbols can be printed on the keys 114. In some embodiments, at least some of the numbers, characters and/or symbols are represented in Braille, or comprise some other identification to enable the visually impaired to locate and identify the keys 114. Data entry keypad 130 comprises a body 132 having a port 134, to connect a cable, for example, for charging and communication purposes. Data entry keypad 130 also comprises wireless communication capabilities via one or more wireless communications protocols, such as Bluetooth. The standalone or separate data entry keypad 130 can also be referred to as a PIN Entry Device (PED) terminal.
[0049] With reference to FIG 10, according to another aspect of the present invention, the standalone or separate data entry keypad 130 can be used with a mobile electronic payment terminal 140 to securely process electronic payments. The mobile electronic payment terminal 140 is similar to the payment terminal 100 described herein in that payment terminal 140 comprises a housing 102 having a first side 104 comprising a touch-sensitive display screen 108 to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments. However, instead of providing a data entry keypad on the second side of the terminal, the standalone or separate data entry keypad 130 can be used by the visually impaired to enter their security information, such as their PIN. The data entry keypad 130 communicates with the mobile electronic payment terminal 140 via a wireless communications protocol, such as Bluetooth, or via a wired connection.
[0050] With reference to FIGS 11 -13, according to another aspect of the present invention, a mobile electronic device 150, such as a mobile phone can operate as a payment terminal in conjunction with the data entry keypad 130. The mobile electronic device 150 comprises a housing 152 having a first side 154 comprising a touch-sensitive display screen 156 to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments. In the embodiment shown in FIGS 11-13, the data entry keypad 130 is attached to a second side 158 of the electronic device 150 by any suitable means. In this embodiment the second side 158 is the rear side of the electronic device 150. The data entry keypad 130 is in communication with the electronic device 150 via a wireless communications protocol, such as Bluetooth, or via a wired connection to enable the visually impaired to enter their security information, such as their PIN, to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments via the electronic device 150.
[0051] Hence, according to another aspect of the present invention, a mobile electronic payment terminal, or a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone operating as a payment terminal, comprises a housing having a first side comprising a touch-sensitive display screen to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments and a data entry keypad usable by the visually impaired to facilitate the secure processing of electronic payments. The data entry keypad is in communication with the terminal or the electronic device and the data entry keypad is separate from the terminal or electronic device.
[0052] The data entry keypad can be attachable to and detachable from the payment terminal or electronic device via a holster, a carrier, a bracket, a mounting, a casing, a fastener or the like.
[0053] Hence, embodiments of the present invention address or at least ameliorate the aforementioned problem of the prior art experienced by visually impaired users. If a visually impaired user is unable to use the touch-sensitive display screen 108 of the payment terminal 100 to effect the secure payment, the visually impaired user can use the data entry keypad 112 of the payment terminal 100 to effect the secure payment. [0054] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.
[0055] In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.
[0056] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.