Transaction Proximity Validation Using Wireless Signals and Sound

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transaction security methods, such as using alternative account representations and PINs, create friction and diminish user privacy while failing to prevent identity fraud and theft.

Innovation Solution

Validate transactions based on device proximity using wireless communication signals and sound levels to determine if devices are in close proximity, computing a score to authorize or decline transactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If alternative account representations are used instead of real account numbers, then security is improved, but these alternatives can still be subject to theft and misappropriation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction securityVSAvoididentity fraud and theft

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces device proximity as an intermediary verification layer between the alternative account representation and the actual user. Instead of relying solely on account tokens that can be stolen, the system adds a physical proximity check using wireless signals and sound levels to confirm the user is actually present at the transaction location, preventing remote fraudsters from utilizing stolen account representations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical verification methods (PIN entry, physical ID card presentation) with wireless communication-based verification. By using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and sound level detection to determine device proximity, the system eliminates the need for users to manually provide additional authentication credentials, thereby maintaining convenience while enhancing security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If PIN and personally identifying information verification techniques are used, then security is improved, but user convenience is diminished and privacy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service verification by automatically detecting device proximity using wireless signals and sound levels without requiring active user participation. The verification happens in the background as part of the transaction process, eliminating the need for users to manually enter PINs or provide identification documents, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual authentication mechanisms (PIN entry, physical ID presentation) with automated wireless-based proximity detection. By using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi signal strength, and sound level measurements to determine whether devices are in close proximity, the system eliminates friction points where users would otherwise need to provide additional personal information, thereby preserving user convenience and privacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If traditional verification methods are used, then transaction processing is simple, but fraudulent transactions cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processing efficiencyVSAvoidfraud prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs proximity verification in advance of the transaction completion, using wireless signals and sound levels to confirm device proximity before finalizing the transaction. This preliminary action ensures that even if account representations are stolen, fraudulent transactions cannot be completed remotely, thereby preventing fraud without significantly delaying transaction processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces device proximity as an intermediary verification step between transaction initiation and completion. By checking whether the user's device and the transaction device are in close proximity using wireless communication signals and sound levels, the system adds a fraud prevention layer that does not require complex verification processes, maintaining transaction processing efficiency while preventing fraudulent transactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12470937B2Proximity-based validation techniques

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 VISA INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

AI summary

A server computer receives from a resource provider device transaction data, a first set of wireless communication signals available to the resource provider device, a second set of wireless communication signals available to the resource provider device, and a sound level detected by the resource provider device. The server computer retrieves from a user device a first set of wireless communication signals available to the user device, a second set of wireless communication signals available to the user device, and a sound level detected by the user device. The server computer computes a score based on the first sets of wireless communication signals, the second sets of wireless communication signals, and the detected sound levels. The server computer transmits to an authorization computer the transaction data and the score, thereby causing the transaction to be processed or terminated based on the transaction data and the score.