Context-Adaptive Meta-Wallet Authentication Using Biometric Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile payment solutions face challenges in providing secure and flexible authentication methods that adapt to different contexts, such as online transactions and physical access, often relying on PINs or passwords that are vulnerable to fraud and require specialized devices, which limits adoption due to cost and usability issues.

Innovation Solution

A meta-wallet system that utilizes biometric data, personal asset data, and social media data for authentication, allowing users to enroll and authenticate using a unique identifier, which prompts for specific types of data based on transaction contexts, eliminating the need for PINs or passwords and integrating with existing payment systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional PIN or password-based authentication is used, then device compatibility is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to fraud vulnerability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidsecurity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/password-based authentication systems with biometric authentication systems. Fingerprint sensors, facial recognition cameras, and other biometric devices capture physiological data that is then processed through cryptographic protocols to establish secure authentication without relying on memorized secrets that can be stolen or guessed.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the authentication parameter from something the user knows (PIN/password) to something the user is (biometric data). This fundamental parameter change enables both universal device compatibility since biometric data is inherent to the user, and enhanced security since biometric traits cannot be easily stolen, shared, or guessed like passwords.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If specialized biometric devices are required for authentication, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs biometric authentication systems that can operate across multiple device types and platforms. The same biometric template stored on a card or mobile device can be verified by various readers (fingerprint, facial, iris), making the system universally applicable without requiring users to carry multiple specialized devices for different authentication methods.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces biometric templates as an intermediary representation of the user's biometric data. Instead of requiring direct connection between the user and each authentication device, the template acts as a portable mediator that can be read by various devices, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If context-dependent authentication is implemented, then security reliability is improved by reducing fraud risk, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple data requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic authentication requirements based on transaction context. The system automatically adjusts which biometric modalities are required (fingerprint only, facial recognition, or combined verification) based on factors such as transaction amount, location, device recognition, and historical user behavior, providing a streamlined experience for low-risk transactions and enhanced verification for high-risk ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops that learn from authentication outcomes and transaction patterns. When a user successfully completes multiple low-risk transactions with a particular biometric method, the system provides feedback by reducing authentication friction for similar future transactions, while triggering enhanced verification only when contextual indicators suggest increased risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If PINs or passwords are required for authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to fraud and chargebacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes password-based authentication mechanisms with biometric authentication. Instead of requiring users to recall and enter secret strings that can be phished, shouldered, or guessed, the system captures unique physiological characteristics through sensors and processes them through secure cryptographic verification, eliminating the security weaknesses of traditional password systems while maintaining user convenience.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3207515B1Securely authenticating a person depending on context
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 MASTERCARD INT INC
  • EP3207515B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3207515B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3207515B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Methods, apparatus and systems are described for securely authenticating a person at an appropriate level of security depending on context without having to enter any passwords. In some embodiments, a meta-wallet processor receives a request for user authentication from a user device which includes a meta-wallet identifier, an entity identifier, a context identifier and user biometric data and/or user personal assets data, and/or user social media data. The meta-wallet processor determines that the user is registered meta-wallet user and is engaging in a predetermined type of activity, selects an authentication protocol, determines that the user biometric data and/or user personal assets data, and/or user social media data matches stored personal meta-wallet data and satisfies the authentication protocol, and then transmits a user authentication confirmation message to one of the user device and an entity computer associated with the entity identifier.