ATM Remote Transaction Authorization via Communications Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with mobility issues, visual impairments, or those unable to access ATMs physically face challenges in conducting transactions, often relying on third parties which can lead to fraud due to the need to share PINs and other security information.
Innovation Solution
A self-service terminal system that allows users to enter transactions using a communications device, such as a telephone or computing device, while maintaining control and security by not disclosing PINs or other security codes, enabling remote or local transaction execution without physical access to the terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user entrusts their ATM card and PIN to a third party for conducting transactions, then the user can access ATM services without physical access or visual ability, but this leads to fraud risk as the third party may withdraw more money than authorized or make unauthorized withdrawals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communications device as an intermediary between the user and the ATM terminal. The device receives transaction requests at the ATM, communicates with the user remotely via telephone or other communication means, and relays transaction details for authorization. This mediator enables accessible transactions without requiring the user to physically interact with the ATM or share their PIN with a third party.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the transaction initiation function (performed at the ATM by a third party or remotely) from the authorization function (performed by the user through the communications device). This segmentation allows the user to maintain control over authorization while enabling others to initiate transactions on their behalf in accessible locations.
2Ease of operation
If a visually impaired user uses a standard ATM interface, then the user can access ATM services, but the user requires assistance from a third party which compromises security
Solution Approach 1:
The communications device serves as an intermediary that provides audio-visual feedback to the visually impaired user during transaction authorization. The device receives transaction data from the ATM, communicates it to the user through speech or display, and relays the user's authorization back to the ATM. This enables independent transaction completion without requiring a third party to be present, eliminating the security risk of sharing PIN information.
3Ease of operation
If a user is confined to home or located in an inaccessible area, then the user cannot access ATM services physically, but entrusting card and PIN to third parties creates fraud vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The communications device enables remote users to authorize transactions without being physically present at the ATM. The device receives transaction requests, communicates details to the remote user, and relays authorization decisions back to the ATM system. This maintains security by keeping authorization control with the user while enabling access from any location with communication capability.
4Ease of operation
If the ATM calls the user's communications device for transaction entry, then the user can enter transactions remotely without knowing the ATM's telephone number, but this requires additional communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to initiate contact with the ATM by dialing its number, the system inverts the initiation direction: the ATM automatically calls the user's pre-registered communications device. This reversal simplifies the user's task to merely answering the call and providing authorization, while the ATM system handles the communication infrastructure complexity of initiating and managing the call connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An Automated Teller Machine, ATM. Persons with physical disabilities sometimes have difficulty negotiating an ATM. Under the invention, two persons are involved in an ATM transaction. One person is equipped with a communicator, such as a cell phone, which contacts an ATM. That person enters necessary transaction data, such as a PIN, a desired cash amount, and so on, using the cell phone. The other person collects the cash dispensed, and any documents, at the ATM itself. This approach eliminates a need for one person to entrust an ATM card and PIN to another person. In another embodiment, the person located at the ATM was previously given a token or passcard by the customer. That person presents the token to the ATM, which prompts the ATM to call the cell phone of the customer, thereby initiating the transaction.