Handheld Laser Identification Device for Secure Transaction Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current consumer transaction methods, such as electronic billboards, are time-consuming and require sharing personal information, which can be tedious and invasive for users.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a handheld laser device that generates a unidirectional electromagnetic signal encoded with user data, allowing users to select products on an electronic display and complete transactions wirelessly, ensuring secure authentication and reduced interaction with customer service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If consumers use websites or customer service personnel to complete transactions with retailers, then transactions can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction completion speedVSAvoidtime spent on transaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification and authentication functions from traditional customer service interactions and website processes, embedding them directly into the television set-top box system. The laser identification device and biometric authentication are integrated into the existing TV infrastructure, allowing transactions to be completed automatically without external customer service intervention, thus reducing transaction time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If consumers share or broadcast identifying information to complete transactions, then transactions can be processed, but user privacy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction processing efficiencyVSAvoiduser privacy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system using biometric data (fingerprint, iris, or voice recognition) that mediates between the user and the transaction system. Instead of requiring users to share personal identifying information openly, the biometric scanner acts as a secure intermediary that verifies identity without exposing sensitive data. The authentication module processes biometric templates locally and compares them against stored templates, enabling efficient transaction processing while maintaining user privacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a laser identification device is used for authentication, then security is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal authentication module that can handle multiple biometric modalities (fingerprint scanning, iris recognition, voice recognition) through a single integrated system. The authentication module is designed to work with various types of biometric data and can switch between different authentication methods based on user preference or system configuration. This multi-functional approach enhances security by providing robust authentication while avoiding the need for separate dedicated devices for each biometric type, thus managing device complexity.

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

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 streamlines consumer transactions by reducing interaction time with customer service, enhancing security through authentication, and providing accurate customer preference data for retailers while maintaining user privacy.

Implementation Method 1

A system utilizing a handheld laser device that generates a unidirectional electromagnetic signal encoded with user data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS11176555B1Laser identification devices and methods
Publication Date: 2021.11.16 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)
  • US11176555B1 patent drawing
  • US11176555B1 patent drawing
  • US11176555B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for identification of objects using a laser. Data for an application including transactional data associated with a user is accessed from a computerized database in a system. Systems and methods operate to select objects from an electronic display. In an example, the systems and methods operate to select objects from an electronic display using a handheld laser identification device. In an example, an electronic display is in communication with a database that updates the display of objects displayed on the electronic display.