Voiceprint Authentication via Telephone Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current authentication and payment systems, especially for transactions not conducted face-to-face, are vulnerable to fraud and require multiple steps, which can lead to increased transaction costs and customer dissatisfaction due to the need for additional security measures.

Innovation Solution

A secure authentication and payment system utilizing the unique telephone numbering system for rapid and transparent transactions, where a customer's telephone number serves as the primary identifier, and a PIN or password as secondary authentication, allowing for single-session transactions over a telephone or IP telephony network without the need for special apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional authentication systems (ATM cards, PINs, signatures) are used, then security is improved, but device complexity and transaction cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the authentication function from complex physical devices (ATM cards, readers, signature pads) and implements it through a simplified voice-based system using existing telephone infrastructure. The authentication is performed by comparing voiceprints during a phone call, eliminating the need for multiple physical authentication components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a voiceprint database as an intermediary that stores and compares voice authentication data. This mediator enables secure authentication without requiring direct physical interaction between customer and merchant, using the telephone network as the communication channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple authentication steps are required, then security is improved, but transaction time and customer patience increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidtransaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple authentication functions (identification, verification, authorization) into a single voice-based authentication step during the telephone conversation. The voiceprint comparison occurs in real-time during the call, merging what would traditionally be separate authentication stages into one unified process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The voiceprint database is pre-populated with authenticated voice samples before transactions occur. This preliminary authentication setup allows for rapid verification during actual transactions, eliminating the need for multiple real-time authentication steps while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If robust authentication is implemented, then fraud prevention is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud preventionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic voiceprint authentication without requiring the customer to manually complete forms, sign documents, or remember complex passwords. The authentication happens automatically by analyzing the customer's voice during the telephone conversation, making the process as convenient as a regular phone call while maintaining strong security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical authentication methods (physical signatures, card swiping) with acoustic authentication (voiceprint analysis). This substitution maintains security while significantly improving ease of operation, as speaking is a natural, effortless action compared to manual authentication tasks.

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

4Reliability

If special authentication apparatus is used, then security is improved, but accessibility and universality decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsystem accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universal telephone network as the authentication platform, making the system accessible to anyone with a telephone without requiring specialized devices. The voiceprint authentication methodology can be applied across different telephone systems and networks, providing broad adaptability and universality while maintaining security.

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

Data Source

PatentUS7742984B2Secure authentication and payment system
Publication Date: 2010.06.22 ALIASWIRE
  • US7742984B2 patent drawing
  • US7742984B2 patent drawing
  • US7742984B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transaction and payment and processing system securely conducts transactions over the public telephone network. The transactions may be between and among entities of any type such as individuals, merchants, utilities, banks, etc. Nothing more than access to a telephone is required after initial registration of a user.