Kiosk Security System Using Hand Image Analysis for Tamper Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Kiosks used for financial transactions are susceptible to tampering, with thieves using devices like skimmers and shimmers to steal user information, and wireless cameras to record passcodes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of image processing techniques using a kiosk camera to record images of a person's hands interacting with the kiosk, with an image processing server analyzing these images to determine if the actions are authorized or unauthorized, and sending alerts if tampering is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If image processing techniques are implemented to detect tampering, then security detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An image processing server is introduced as an intermediary component between the kiosk camera and the security system. The server receives images from the camera, performs complex image processing and pattern analysis to detect tampering, and sends results back to the kiosk. This intermediary handles the computational complexity separately from the kiosk itself, improving security detection capability while managing system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If pattern analysis and machine learning are used to reduce false positives, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefalse positive reductionVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes patterns of normal user interactions through machine learning analysis of historical data. These patterns are stored and used as reference for real-time comparison. By performing the complex learning and pattern establishment in advance (preliminary action), the system achieves high measurement precision in detecting anomalies while keeping real-time processing requirements manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a camera system with image processing is added to detect tampering, then security against theft is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against theftVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical security measures (such as guards or physical barriers) with an automated optical detection system. The camera captures images and the image processing server analyzes them to detect tampering attempts. This substitution provides continuous automated protection against theft while reducing the need for complex manual security systems, achieving improved security through automated optical-mechanical substitution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12236409B1Kiosk security system

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)

AI summary

Image processing techniques can be used to determine whether a person has installed an unauthorized device on or in a kiosk. For example, an image processing server can determine whether a person's hand(s) are engaging in abnormal behavior by obtaining recorded images of the person's hand(s) that extend towards the kiosk to perform an action, and by comparing the information in the recorded images with a set of previously known information about other persons' hands that are similarly extended towards the kiosk.