Fingerprint Recognition for POS Terminals Without Stored Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payment methods, such as carrying cash or using debit/credit cards, expose individuals to theft and online fraudulent activities, necessitating a more secure, cashless, and cardless payment system.
Innovation Solution
A fingerprint recognition system for Point of Sale (POS) terminals that uses a unique encryption and decryption method, employing a Personalized Data Key generated from a fingerprint scan to securely process transactions and store data, without storing the fingerprint scan itself, and optionally using a memory card for encrypted data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fingerprint data is stored for authentication, then authentication reliability is improved, but security risk increases due to potential theft or loss of stored biometric data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential features of the fingerprint (minutiae points, ridge patterns, whorls, loops, arches) rather than storing the complete fingerprint image. This extraction process creates a simplified representation that maintains authentication reliability while reducing the security risk associated with storing comprehensive biometric data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the fingerprint data from its original image form into a different parameter representation (feature points, ridge characteristics, pattern classifications). This parameter transformation allows the system to authenticate users reliably while the altered data format reduces vulnerability to theft and misuse.
2Ease of operation
If traditional payment methods (cash, cards) are used, then payment convenience is achieved, but vulnerability to theft and fraud increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical payment mechanisms (cash, cards, wallets) with a biometric-based electronic system. The fingerprint authentication mechanism substitutes for mechanical payment tools, providing convenience similar to cardless payment while eliminating the physical vulnerabilities of theft and fraud associated with traditional methods.
3Measurement precision
If complete fingerprint images are stored, then authentication accuracy is improved, but data security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fingerprint image into distinct feature components (minutiae points, ridge endings, bifurcations, pattern regions). By storing only these segmented features rather than the complete image, the system maintains sufficient authentication accuracy while significantly reducing the security risk of storing comprehensive biometric data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the fingerprint data that captures essential authentication features without replicating the complete original image. This copied representation maintains measurement precision for authentication while reducing the harmful effects of storing full biometric images.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of use and a fingerprint recognition for a Point of Sale (POS) terminal system; the POS terminal system may be used as a secure means to purchase items. The POS terminal system includes a database configured to store personal information associated with an individual user. The personal information may be accessed by inputting biometric data and an alphanumeric code at a POS terminal. The invention also provides a secure means of encrypting and decrypting data files with the user's fingerprint.