Electronic Wallet Activation via Biometric and Motion Cues

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing point-of-sale systems lack secure and convenient methods for launching electronic wallets on portable devices, particularly in scenarios where financial information needs to be protected from unauthorized access, especially in cases of device theft or loss.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device equipped with a contactless communication transceiver, a processor, and various input devices (such as accelerometers, microphones, or biometric sensors) that can activate an electronic wallet using specific input sequences or cues, allowing secure access to payment information and facilitating contactless transactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic wallet is made easily accessible through standard menu selections, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to electronic walletVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the access path to the electronic wallet into two distinct parts: a publicly visible menu structure and a hidden activation mechanism. The electronic wallet remains inaccessible through standard menu navigation but can be activated through specific input sequences or cues that trigger its launch, thus separating convenience access from security protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary activation mechanism between the user and the electronic wallet. This intermediary is the specific input sequence or cue that must be provided to launch the wallet. The intermediary acts as a mediator that validates user identity while maintaining the wallet's hidden status in the menu structure, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the electronic wallet is hidden from menu selections to improve security, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidease of access to electronic wallet

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring specific input sequences or cues that are associated with the electronic wallet activation. These pre-established activation patterns allow authorized users to quickly access the wallet without navigating through menus, while the wallet remains hidden from view. The preliminary configuration of activation cues resolves the contradiction by enabling easy access for authorized users while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple payment cards are stored and made easily selectable, then adaptability is improved, but security against unauthorized selection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to select different payment methodsVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized card selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements the nested doll principle by placing multiple payment cards within the hidden electronic wallet structure. The wallet itself is nested within the device's application framework, and individual payment cards are nested within the wallet. This nested arrangement allows users to access multiple payment methods through a single activation sequence while maintaining security at each level of nesting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances security and convenience by allowing authorized users to easily launch and select payment methods without exposing financial information, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access the electronic wallet, even if the device is stolen or lost.

Implementation Method 1

A contactless card communicates with a point-of-sale terminal or other device at least in part without physically contacting the point-of-sale terminal, for example through radio frequency communication conducted in the proximity of the point-of-sale terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The first input device is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a microphone, a camera, and a biometric sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiometric detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8468095B1Method for launching an electronic wallet

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A portable electronic device is disclosed. The portable electronic device comprises a contactless communication transceiver configured to provide payment information to a point-of-sale terminal, a first input device configured to receive inputs, and a processor. The first input device is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a microphone, a camera, and a biometric sensor. The processor is configured to activate an electronic wallet based on inputs from at least one of the first input device and the contactless communication transceiver, to access the payment information in the electronic wallet, and to provide the payment information to the contactless communication transceiver.