Mobile Terminal Card Module with Fingerprint Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals face security vulnerabilities and inconvenience in using stored card information for payments, as existing solutions lack robust authentication and are prone to misuse due to the lack of a secure, user-specific payment mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal with a physically withdrawable card module that requires user authentication, such as fingerprint sensing, to enable secure payment functions, allowing only authorized users to access and use the card information, thereby enhancing security and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If card information is stored in a mobile terminal for payment convenience, then payment efficiency is improved, but security is worsened due to potential loss or unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayment efficiencyVSAvoidpayment security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The card module is divided into a terminal body portion and a cover portion that can be separated. The terminal body contains the payment function and card information, while the cover provides physical protection and can be detached to limit payment functionality, creating segmented security zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A fingerprint sensor is introduced as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the user and the card information. The sensor requires biometric verification before allowing access to payment functions, adding a security layer without compromising payment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a physically withdrawable card module is implemented, then security is improved through user authentication, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidmodule structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The card module merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: card information storage, fingerprint authentication, and payment processing are combined in one module that can be inserted into or removed from the terminal body, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The card module is designed as a universal interface that can work with different terminal bodies and cover configurations. The same card module can be used across various device types, and the module itself performs multiple functions including authentication, storage, and payment execution.

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

3Ease of operation

If the card module is always accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to unauthorized use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayment accessibilityVSAvoidunauthorized access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The card module transitions between different states: inserted/removed, authenticated/unauthenticated, and active/inactive. These dynamic state changes allow the system to adapt security levels based on operational context, providing ease of use when authenticated while preventing unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication through fingerprint verification before enabling payment functions. This preemptive security measure prevents unauthorized access attempts before they can compromise the system, while still allowing quick authenticated access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cards are stored for different payments, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information is worsened if the terminal is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecard varietyVSAvoidcard data exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Card information is extracted from the main terminal storage and placed in a separate, physically removable card module. This extraction allows users to securely store multiple card types while limiting exposure, as the module can be removed and stored separately from the main terminal when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The solution provides a secure and convenient payment experience by ensuring only authorized users can access the card module, reducing the risk of unauthorized transactions and simplifying the payment process by eliminating the need for multiple card steps.

Implementation Method 1

when user authentication is completed based on a sensed fingerprint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFingerprint sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP3340592B1Mobile terminal having card unit and method for controlling same
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3340592B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3340592B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3340592B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The present invention provides a mobile terminal comprising: a body; a display unit, formed on one surface of the body, for displaying screen information comprising at least one item of content item corresponding to at least one piece of card information; a card module withdrawable from the body; and a control unit for selecting at least one item of content item according to a touch applied on the screen information and applying at least one piece of card information corresponding to the selected item of content to the card module.