ATM Transaction Security via Mobile Identifier Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current ATM systems lack efficient methods for secure and convenient financial transactions, particularly in scenarios where direct interaction with the ATM is not feasible or internet connectivity is limited, and there is a need for enhanced user and ATM identification before processing transactions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilizes a mobile computing device to present an ATM identifier, confirm the identifier, and process transactions securely by verifying customer authentication and transaction requests through a processor, allowing transactions to be initiated and completed without direct ATM interaction and without relying on strong internet connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional ATM transaction methods are used requiring direct interaction with the ATM, then transaction security is maintained through physical presence, but convenience and accessibility are reduced for users who cannot directly interact with the ATM

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTransaction convenienceVSAvoidTransaction security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile computing device as an intermediary between the user and the ATM. The mobile device captures images of the ATM display, transmits them remotely, and facilitates transaction approval without requiring the user to physically interact with the ATM. This mediator enables convenient remote operation while maintaining security through multiple verification steps including ATM identifier confirmation and transaction detail verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ATM identifier confirmation is implemented to enhance security, then transaction reliability is improved, but the complexity of the transaction process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveATM identification accuracyVSAvoidTransaction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary identification by capturing and confirming the ATM identifier before any transaction details are processed. The mobile device takes a picture of the ATM display showing the identifier, transmits it for verification, and only proceeds with the transaction once the ATM is positively identified. This preliminary action ensures security while streamlining the overall process by establishing verification early.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote transaction processing is enabled without strong internet connections, then accessibility in remote areas is improved, but communication reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTransaction accessibilityVSAvoidConnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares for potential connection issues by implementing a buffered communication approach. Transaction images and data are captured and stored locally on the mobile device before transmission. The system allows for offline capture and queues communications for later transmission when connectivity is available, cushioning against connection unreliability in remote areas while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10535048B2Automated financial transactions
Publication Date: 2020.01.14 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10535048B2 patent drawing
  • US10535048B2 patent drawing
  • US10535048B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Arrangements relate to processing financial transactions on an automated teller machine (ATM). An ATM identifier can be presented on a display of the ATM. An ATM identifier confirmation can be received from a mobile computing device. Responsive to determining that the ATM identifier confirmation matches the identifier presented on the display of the ATM, a customer authentication or a transaction request can be received from the mobile computing device. Responsive to verifying the customer authentication or the transaction request, the transaction request can be processed.