Handheld transaction terminal

Abstract

Secure management of electronic transactions is provided by a system server that is communicatively coupled to terminals configured as thin client devices (TCD) and to one or more application servers. A TCD completes a secure communications link with the system server, and transfers information concerning the identity of a user and account information from a secure transaction card (STC). Upon authentication, the system server drives the display of available applications at the TCD, allowing the user to select and engage in a desired transaction with the application server hosting the selected application. During the transaction, the system server brokers communications according to the different security schemes used by the TCD and the application server and, ultimately, stores a transaction ticket that memorializes the transaction. The transaction ticket can later be retrieved by presenting appropriate authentication information.

The ornamental design for a handheld transaction terminal, as shown and described.