Audio-Based ATM Proximity Verification Using Ambient Sound Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transaction systems at ATMs and similar kiosks face challenges in preventing fraudulent transactions when the user's location cannot be verified, especially when the location service is disabled or unavailable, and there is a need for additional security measures beyond traditional card-based authentication.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows users to prestage transactions using a mobile application, which verifies the user's location through audio signals, using a microphone to record ambient sounds compared to sounds played at the ATM, providing an additional layer of security without requiring the physical presence of a bank-issued card and enabling transactions without location services enabled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional card-based authentication is used at ATMs, then transaction security is maintained through physical card presence, but the system becomes vulnerable to fraudulent transactions when cards are lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces audio signals as an intermediary verification mechanism between the user and the ATM system. Instead of relying solely on the physical card, the system uses audio playback and recording to create a mediating verification layer that confirms the user's physical presence and location, thereby preventing fraudulent use of lost or stolen cards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical card-based authentication system with an acoustic verification system. The mechanical insertion and reading of physical cards is substituted with audio signal playback through the ATM speaker and recording by the user's device microphone, transforming the authentication mechanism from mechanical to acoustic
2Reliability
If location services are required for transaction verification, then fraudulent transactions are prevented, but the system becomes unusable when location services are disabled or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the GPS-based electronic location service system with an acoustic verification system. Instead of relying on satellite-based location data, the system uses audio signal matching to verify the user's physical presence at the ATM, providing a backup method that works regardless of location service availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the verification parameter from geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude from GPS) to acoustic characteristics (audio signal patterns). This parameter transformation allows verification to proceed through a different physical domain (acoustics instead of satellite positioning), maintaining security while improving accessibility
3Reliability
If audio-based location verification is implemented, then an additional security layer is added, but the device complexity increases due to microphone and audio processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses audio copying and comparison rather than complex real-time analysis. The ATM plays back a known audio signal, the user's device records it, and the system compares the recorded copy against the expected copy. This copying approach simplifies the processing requirements compared to analyzing complex acoustic environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial verification rather than complete acoustic analysis. Instead of analyzing all acoustic parameters in the environment, the system focuses on specific characteristics of the played-back audio signal such as timing, frequency pattern, and amplitude. This partial action approach reduces computational complexity while maintaining verification effectiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively prevents fraudulent transactions by ensuring the user's location matches the ATM's location, allowing secure completion of prestaged transactions, even without traditional authentication methods, thereby enhancing security and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
using a microphone to record ambient sounds compared to sounds played at the ATM
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for verification of proximity to a kiosk, such as an ATM. The mobile application installed on a mobile device may be used to setup a prestaged transaction. When the mobile device is in the proximity to the kiosk to complete the prestaged transaction, a location of the mobile device may be verified using ambient sound recorded by a microphone of the mobile device. The ambient sound may be songs, tones, or ultrasonic sound played by a sound system near the kiosk. The recorded ambient sound may then be compared to expected audio from the sound system to determine whether the mobile device is in proximity to the kiosk.