Biometric Payment Terminal with Multi-Method Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing payment systems that use physical characteristics for purchaser specification are limited in supporting a variety of payment methods, as they typically only enable a single payment method, which is not suitable for the diverse payment options available today.

Innovation Solution

A payment system comprising a payment terminal with a biometric information reader and a management server that communicates to determine the appropriate payment method based on biometric data, allowing for multiple payment methods to be supported by associating payment type data with biometric information and terminal identifier information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If biometric information is used to specify a purchaser, then the problem of requiring card medium or mobile terminal is solved, but the payment system enables only a limited payment method

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayment method varietyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management server is designed to handle multiple payment methods (credit cards, electronic money, loyalty point cards) through a unified biometric authentication system. The server stores and manages diverse payment method data associated with biometric information, enabling a single authentication mechanism to support multiple payment functions, thus achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The payment system is divided into functional modules: biometric information reader device for authentication, management server for data storage and processing, and payment terminal for executing transactions. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks while working together to support various payment methods, making the overall system more manageable and adaptable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple payment methods are supported, then user flexibility is enhanced, but the complexity of managing payment method data increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser flexibilityVSAvoiddata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple payment method data types (credit card information, electronic money balances, loyalty point balances) are merged into a single database structure on the management server, all associated with the user's biometric information. This consolidation allows the system to manage diverse payment methods through a unified data management approach, reducing operational complexity while maintaining user flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages payment method data by storing payment type data and balance information in the management server's database. When a user presents biometric information, the system automatically retrieves and processes the appropriate payment method data without requiring manual intervention, thereby enhancing ease of operation while managing complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If biometric information is stored and processed, then purchaser specification is enabled without card medium, but security requirements for data storage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurchaser specification capabilityVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The management server acts as an intermediary between the biometric information reader device and the payment terminal. It securely stores biometric information and payment method data, processes authentication requests, and returns appropriate payment method data to the terminal. This intermediary architecture centralizes security management and protects sensitive data while enabling purchaser specification without physical cards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3667590B1Payment system, management server, payment terminal, and method of controlling a payment terminal
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3667590B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3667590B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3667590B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a payment system includes a payment terminal and a management server. The payment terminal sends an inquiry to the management server on the basis of obtained biometric information of a purchaser. The payment terminal obtains, from a response from the management server in response to the inquiry, payment method data specifying a payment method of the purchaser. The management server searches a database, which stores data specifying a payment method in association with the biometric information of the purchaser. The management server thereby detects data in association with the biometric information, which is inquired from the payment terminal.