Smartphone POS Transaction Authentication via Biometric and Link Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The need for a multipurpose smartphone device capable of performing additional functions beyond current smartphone capabilities, particularly as a point-of-sale (POS) device, exists due to the expense and limitations of dedicated POS systems.

Innovation Solution

A method where a smartphone receives a link associated with a previous user action, authenticates a second user, and authorizes them to conduct transactions, using identification information and biometric data, allowing it to function as a POS device by displaying instructions and processing payments through integrated mechanisms like cameras and biometric readers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated POS systems are used, then transaction processing capability is ensured, but hardware cost and device quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction processing capabilityVSAvoidhardware cost and device quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables smartphones to perform multiple functions including payment processing, identification verification, and transaction authorization. By making the smartphone a universal device that can replace dedicated POS systems, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized hardware while maintaining transaction processing capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions (payment processing, ID verification, biometric authentication) into a single smartphone device. This merging of previously separate dedicated systems into one multifunctional device reduces hardware complexity and cost while preserving reliability through integrated security mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If smartphone functions are expanded to include POS capabilities, then device versatility improves, but security requirements and authentication complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidsecurity requirements and authentication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the authentication process into distinct segments: biometric verification, identification document scanning, link validation, and transaction authorization. Each segment handles a specific security requirement, making the overall complex security system manageable and modular while enabling versatile smartphone functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary authentication actions before transaction processing, including biometric verification and ID scanning. By completing security validations in advance, the system prepares the smartphone with authorized credentials, enabling versatile POS functions while managing security complexity through pre-validated authentication states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11941603B2Multipurpose smartphone device
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 WESTERN UNION CO
  • US11941603B2 patent drawing
  • US11941603B2 patent drawing
  • US11941603B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a multipurpose smartphone device. More specifically, embodiments described herein disclose a smartphone that is capable of being used as a point-of-sale (POS) device.