Secure Calling Card with Dynamic Key Code Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telephone calling card systems are susceptible to fraud as users must dial their account number and PIN, which can be monitored and recorded by unauthorized parties, and specialized equipment is required to prevent this, limiting their use.
Innovation Solution
A secure calling card apparatus with a planar body containing a memory system, input circuit, controller, and display that generates and presents a changing key code based on a PIN, eliminating the need for users to enter their PIN manually and reducing fraud risk without requiring specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually dial their account number and PIN, then the system is simple to operate, but the system becomes susceptible to fraud through monitoring and recording
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated voice response system as an intermediary between the user and the calling card verification process. This mediator automatically reads the account number and PIN from the user, eliminating the need for manual dialing and reducing fraud risk through automated authentication procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical dialing process with an automated electronic voice recognition and processing system. The automated system captures, processes, and verifies user input through electronic means, substituting the manual dialing mechanism with an automated authentication workflow
2Reliability
If a magnetic card reader is used to automatically read account and PIN information, then fraud risk is reduced, but specialized telephone equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal authentication system that works with standard telephones through automated voice interaction. The system performs multiple functions including account verification, PIN authentication, and call routing through a single automated voice response interface that is compatible with any standard telephone device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic card reader hardware with an automated voice-based authentication system. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized magnetic strip reading equipment while maintaining secure authentication through electronic voice capture and processing
3Productivity
If account number and PIN are converted to DTMF tones, then the call can be transmitted over the phone line, but local phone listening devices can record the information
Solution Approach 1:
The automated voice response system acts as an intermediary that captures authentication data directly from the user through voice input and processes it electronically. This mediator prevents the conversion to audible DTMF tones that could be recorded, instead using electronic signal processing that cannot be easily intercepted or recorded by standard telephone listening devices
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for authorizing a calling card telephone call are described. In one example, a telephone calling card includes a planar body having a memory system, an input circuit, a controller, and a display. The memory system is configured to store key code information. The input circuit is configured to receive a personal identification number (PIN). The controller is configured to derive a key code from the key code information using the PIN. The display is configured to present the key code. The user may then use the key code for purposes of authorizing a call made using a calling card. The key code may change from time-to-time as the user uses the calling card. Since the user's PIN is not entered into a telephone by the user, the calling card is less susceptible to unauthorized and/or fraudulent use by third parties.