ATM-Mobile Pairing to Remove PIN Entry From the ATM

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

ATM transactions are vulnerable to data theft due to the need for users to input their PIN directly at the ATM, which can be compromised by skimmers and cameras, and the frequent use of user interface components leads to wear and tear, increasing maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A user device functions as a user interface for the ATM, allowing users to input their PIN and select transaction types, which reduces the need for direct input at the ATM and eliminates the need for a touch screen display or keypad on the ATM, using a sync button for pairing and LEDs for notifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users input PIN directly at the ATM using touch screen or keypad, then the ATM can perform transactions, but the ATM becomes vulnerable to data theft through skimmers and cameras

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidvulnerability to skimmers and cameras

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the PIN input function from the ATM device itself and relocates it to the user's mobile device. The ATM no longer contains a keypad or touch screen for PIN entry, eliminating the physical components that can be compromised by skimmers and cameras. The user device displays the PIN pad interface and captures the PIN input locally, then transmits it securely to the ATM.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The user's mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the ATM. Instead of direct interaction with the ATM's input interface, the user interacts with their own device, which then communicates with the ATM through a secure connection. This intermediary layer prevents direct exposure to physical tampering devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the ATM includes a touch screen display and keypad for user input, then users can interact with the ATM, but the user interface components experience wear and tear increasing maintenance costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the touch screen display and keypad from the ATM device, extracting these wear-prone components entirely. The user interaction functions are relocated to the user's mobile device, which the user already possesses and is familiar with. The ATM retains only essential components for transaction execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The user's mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as the display interface, the input device for PIN entry, and the communication bridge to the ATM. This universal device replaces multiple specialized components that would otherwise be required at the ATM.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the ATM includes a touch screen display and keypad, then users can select transaction types and input credentials, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the display and input components from the ATM, leaving only the essential transaction processing hardware. The complex user interface functions are relocated to the user's mobile device, significantly reducing the ATM's component count and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the ATM providing the display and input interface to the user, the inversion approach has the user provide their own device with these capabilities. The ATM receives data from and sends data to the user device, reversing the traditional information flow direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12186533B2Interacting with an automated teller machine using a user device

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 CAPITAL ONE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A device may receive an indication that an ATM transaction is to be conducted, display prompt(s) for a user to input user authentication credential information and to select an ATM transaction type, detect user input(s) that include a user authentication credential and a selection of a particular ATM transaction type, and receive, from an ATM device, a request to establish a communication session. The ATM device may include a sync button to initiate communicative coupling of the ATM device and the user device. The request may be based on a user selection of the sync button. The device may communicatively couple to the ATM device, and provide, to the ATM device, the user authentication credential and data regarding the particular ATM transaction type to cause the ATM device to perform the ATM transaction. The device may display information regarding the ATM transaction.