Touchless PIN Input via Gesture Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-service terminals lack secure and hygienic methods for inputting personal identification numbers (PINs), as they require physical interaction with a shared Encrypted PIN Pad (EPP), which can lead to contamination risks and privacy concerns due to visible input patterns.
Innovation Solution
A touchless self-service terminal system using a controller and touchless sensors to generate random numbers for PIN input, allowing customers to input PINs through gesture recognition and voice commands, with sensors positioned around a non-observable display to prevent external observation and maintain hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional Encrypted PIN Pad (EPP) is used for PIN input, then security through encryption is provided, but hygiene is compromised due to physical contact and contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical EPP system with an optical recognition system. Instead of physical key presses, the system captures images of the customer's hand gestures positioned over a display showing the PIN digits. This substitution eliminates direct contact with the terminal while maintaining security through encrypted transmission of the recognized gesture data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system between the customer and the terminal. The camera captures hand gestures as an intermediate representation, which is then processed by gesture recognition software to derive the PIN. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact while preserving the security of PIN input.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional EPP is used for PIN input, then basic input functionality is provided, but privacy is compromised due to observable input patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical EPP with an optical gesture recognition system that captures hand positions through imaging. This substitution maintains input functionality while preventing shoulder surfing and pattern observation, as the gesture recognition process occurs internally without visible physical key presses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical key presses to three-dimensional hand gesture recognition in space. By capturing gestures from multiple dimensions and processing them through image recognition algorithms, the system maintains input functionality while adding privacy protection through non-observable spatial interactions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a touchless gesture recognition system is implemented, then hygiene and privacy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing display component to serve multiple functions: displaying PIN digits for the customer and providing a reference frame for gesture recognition. The camera system, potentially already present for other terminal functions, is repurposed for gesture capture. This multi-functionality approach minimizes additional hardware complexity while achieving touchless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gesture recognition system processes images and identifies gestures through automated algorithms without requiring manual intervention or additional complex processing hardware. The system self-calibrates by using the displayed PIN digits as a reference framework, eliminating the need for separate calibration procedures or additional sensors.
4Ease of operation
If gesture recognition is used for PIN input, then contactless interaction is achieved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the displayed PIN digits on the screen as an intermediary reference framework. The gesture recognition system maps detected hand positions to these displayed digits, using the visual display as a mediator between the physical gesture and the logical PIN input. This intermediary reference system enhances measurement precision by providing a known spatial framework for coordinate mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the PIN digits on the screen, which serves as a reference for the gesture recognition process. The customer can see the digits they are supposed to input, and the system uses this displayed information to verify and refine gesture detection accuracy. This feedback loop enhances precision by allowing real-time adjustment and verification of gesture recognition.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-service-terminal and a method for assisting an input of a personal identification number at a self-service-terminal are provided. The self-service-terminal includes a housing (1), a display (2) operatively supported by the housing (1), a card reader (3) operatively supported by the housing (1), a currency dispenser (4) operatively supported by the housing (1), a communication device (5) configured to comprise at least one touchless sensor (6), a controller (7) configured to be arranged in the housing (1) and to be coupled to at least the display (2) and the communication device (5). The controller (7) is configured to sequentially generate for each number of a personal identification number a first random number. The controller (7) is further configured to control the display (2) to display at least each of the respective first random numbers. The communication device (5) is configured for each displayed first random number to detect by the at least one touchless sensor (6) a control signal by a customer based on the displayed first random number. The controller (7) is further configured based on the control signal to adjust each first random number and to update each of the displayed first numbers.