Short-Range NFC Communication for Cardless ATM Withdrawals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers desire a method for withdrawing cash from ATMs without the need for physical ATM cards, aligning with the trend of using mobile devices for transactions.

Innovation Solution

A system enabling cardless cash withdrawals from ATMs using a mobile device with near-field communication (NFC) connectivity, where the mobile device establishes proximity with the ATM, exchanges data, and includes authentication steps such as biometric scans or PIN entry to secure the transaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a physical ATM card is used for cash withdrawal, then the transaction can be authenticated reliably, but the user must carry and physically handle the card which reduces convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of cash withdrawalVSAvoidauthentication security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical ATM card with a digital copy stored in the mobile device's secure element. The virtual card number and authentication data are copied from the original card information into the mobile device, allowing the user to access cash withdrawal functionality through the mobile device without carrying the physical card. This copying approach maintains authentication reliability while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical card insertion system with an electronic communication system. Instead of physically inserting a card into the ATM, the mobile device establishes a wireless connection (WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC) with the ATM to transmit authentication data and initiate cash withdrawal. This replacement of mechanical interaction with electronic communication eliminates the need to carry and handle physical cards while maintaining secure authentication through cryptographic protocols.

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

2Ease of operation

If cardless withdrawal using mobile device is implemented, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating physical cards, but new security challenges arise from wireless communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecardless withdrawal convenienceVSAvoidwireless communication security risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by establishing secure communication channels before actual cash withdrawal transactions occur. The mobile device and ATM perform mutual authentication and establish encrypted communication sessions in advance. Security credentials are verified beforehand, and the transaction environment is validated before any sensitive operations, thereby cushioning against potential security threats before they can affect the transaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary secure element within the mobile device that acts as a trusted mediator between the user and the ATM. This secure element stores cryptographic credentials and manages secure communication protocols, serving as an intermediary that protects both the user's data and the ATM's systems from direct exposure to wireless communication vulnerabilities. The intermediary handles authentication and data transmission securely, isolating the sensitive operations from potential external attacks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250335899A1Short range signal technology for inter-device communication
Publication Date: 2025.10.30 TRUIST BANK
  • US20250335899A1 patent drawing
  • US20250335899A1 patent drawing
  • US20250335899A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for cardless cash withdrawal from an automated teller machine (ATM) using a mobile device with near-field communication (NFC) connectivity. A user places a mobile device proximal the ATM where the device is within range and NFC connectivity is established. The NFC channel ensures that the user is physically located at the ATM, and also enables data exchange from a digital banking systems application on the device to the ATM. Data communicated to the ATM from the mobile device includes the identity of a client and an account containing funds for the withdrawal. The digital banking app on the mobile device may provide other data to the ATM—such as the withdrawal amount. An authentication step, including a biometric scan or entry of a personal identification number, further secures the withdrawal transaction, where the authentication may be performed on the mobile device or on the ATM.