Cardless ATM Withdrawal via QR Code Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ATM systems require a payment card for fund withdrawals, limiting access for individuals without a card, particularly in situations like natural disasters where infrastructure for card distribution is lacking.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for cardless withdrawal from ATMs, involving user input of a unique code, device identifier, and transaction amount, which are transmitted electronically to authenticate and authorize the withdrawal, allowing dispensing of funds without a card.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a payment card is required for ATM withdrawals, then transaction security is maintained, but accessibility for individuals without cards is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility to ATM fundsVSAvoidApplicability to cardless scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a QR code (visual copy) that contains encoded account information, replacing the physical payment card. The QR code serves as a digital representation of the card data, allowing the ATM to read and process withdrawal requests without requiring the actual card presentment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical card insertion process with an optical scanning system. The ATM uses a camera or scanner to capture the QR code image and extract data optically, eliminating the need for physical card slots, magnetic stripe readers, or chip readers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If payment cards are distributed to recipients, then fund access is enabled, but infrastructure requirements and distribution time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSpeed of fund disbursementVSAvoidCard production and distribution infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of producing and distributing physical cards through complex supply chains, the system generates digital QR codes that can be instantly delivered via mobile devices. This eliminates card printing, shipping, and physical distribution infrastructure while maintaining secure access credentials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-generates QR codes containing all necessary account information before the user needs to access funds. These codes can be distributed in advance through any digital channel (SMS, email, mobile app), allowing immediate ATM access without waiting for physical card delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3459060B1Method and system for cardless disbursement from an automated teller machine
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 MASTERCARD INT INC
  • EP3459060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3459060B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3459060B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for cardless withdrawal from an automated teller machine includes: receiving, by an input device of an automated teller machine (ATM), user input comprising at least: a first code, a device identifier associated with a computing device, and a transaction amount; electronically transmitting, by the ATM, at least the first code, device identifier, and the transaction amount to a first computing system; receiving, by a receiving device of the ATM, a transaction account number from the first computing system; electronically transmitting, by the ATM, a withdrawal request including at least the transaction account number and the transaction amount to an acquiring institution; receiving, by the receiving device of the ATM, an indication from the acquiring institution that indicates approval of the withdrawal request; and dispensing, by a dispensing module of the ATM, one or more payment instruments having a value equivalent to the transaction amount.