Secure Payment Entry With Automatic Biometric Image Ranking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing payment card verification systems are vulnerable to unauthorized access and fail to capture data related to the user attempting fraudulent transactions, while also being inconvenient for authorized users due to accidental entry of incorrect information.

Innovation Solution

A secure data entry device with integrated imaging capabilities captures multiple images of the user during a transaction, assigns usability scores, selects the best images, and generates a biometric pattern for verification, which is stored and averaged with previous patterns to enhance security and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If biometric data acquisition process requires active user participation, then security and reliability are improved, but user convenience and transaction speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs biometric data acquisition automatically without requiring active user participation. The imaging device captures images of the user during normal transaction flow, and the processor automatically processes these images to generate biometric patterns, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures biometric images in advance during the transaction process before verification is needed. Multiple images are captured and processed preliminarily, so that when verification is required, the biometric pattern is already available for quick comparison against stored patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If traditional PIN entry verification is used, then transaction speed is maintained, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction speedVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the biometric verification process with the existing transaction flow. The imaging device and processing occur alongside normal transaction operations, combining speed maintenance with enhanced security through automatic biometric pattern generation and comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual PIN entry verification with automatic biometric verification. Instead of relying on users to enter secure information manually, the system uses imaging devices and automated processing to capture, analyze, and verify biometric data without mechanical user intervention.

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

3Measurement precision

If multiple images are captured and processed, then biometric verification accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric verification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures multiple images but processes them selectively rather than analyzing every single image in full detail. The processor identifies usable images based on quality criteria and processes only those that meet thresholds, performing partial processing to maintain speed while benefiting from multiple image captures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system rapidly processes multiple images in sequence during the transaction flow, moving quickly through image capture and analysis. By skipping unnecessary verification steps and using efficient processing algorithms, the system maintains fast transaction speeds while still achieving accurate biometric verification through multiple images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP4155989B1Secure data entry device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 WORLDPAY LTD
  • EP4155989B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4155989B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4155989B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates generally to secure data entry devices and methods of using such devices. A secure data entry device is provided that comprises: a housing; a display; at least one user input means configured to capture secure data associated with a user; at least one imaging means; a data processing device; at least one payment instrument reading means configured to read a payment instrument; and a network interface; wherein the data processing device is configured to: detect a completion signal that is indicative of a payment having been completed; initiate image capture, via the imaging means, of a plurality of images of a user associated with the payment once the completion signal has been detected; processing the plurality of images to assign a usability score to each of the plurality of images, wherein an image with a more clearly depicted target area of the user is assigned a higher usability score, and wherein the target area of the user includes the user's face or one or more of the user's fingers, the user's thumb, and the user's eye; generate a ranking based on the usability score of each image by comparing a first image of the plurality of images and a second image of the plurality of images with each other; select at least one selected image from the plurality of images based on the ranking of the usability score of each image; generate a biometric pattern corresponding to the target area of the user by processing the at least one selected image, and wherein the biometric pattern is generated using a facial recognition algorithm or fingerprint recognition algorithm compare the generated biometric pattern with a trusted biometric pattern stored in a database and authorize the payment upon determining a match, wherein the trusted biometric pattern is generated by averaging a plurality of biometric patterns associated with previous use of a payment instrument by the user.