Wireless Device Authentication Using Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic transaction systems require significant user intervention for authentication, which can be inconvenient and insecure, especially when users forget to carry payment cards or need to remember multiple IDs for different accounts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses terminal devices with wireless communication capabilities to detect and authenticate devices associated with a payment account, allowing for secure authentication based on device IDs and proximity data, reducing the need for user input and improving security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users present a physical device or token (such as a magnetic stripe card) for authentication, then the authentication mechanism is simple and reliable, but the system fails when the device is not in possession of the authorized user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical card with a digital copy in the form of a virtual card application on a mobile device. The virtual card contains the same account information and authentication capabilities as the physical card, allowing users to authenticate without carrying the physical token. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining authentication reliability through the digital copy while improving ease of operation by eliminating the need to physically carry the card.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical physical card system with an electronic/digital system. Instead of swiping a magnetic stripe card through a terminal, the system uses wireless communication (NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) between the mobile device and the payment terminal. This replacement maintains the security and reliability of card-based authentication while dramatically improving user convenience by eliminating physical handling requirements.
2Ease of operation
If users input numeric or alphanumeric IDs at a user input device to identify their account, then the system can identify the account without physical devices, but the user experience deteriorates due to the need to memorize and enter multiple IDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where the mobile device automatically performs account identification and selection without requiring user input. The device's wireless communication capabilities automatically detect and identify the appropriate payment account, eliminating the need for users to manually enter account IDs. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining account identification capability while eliminating the time loss associated with manual input and memorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the mobile device with multiple payment accounts and their associated identification data. Before the authentication process begins, the device is ready with all necessary account information stored and accessible. When a transaction is initiated, the system automatically selects the appropriate account based on pre-established criteria, eliminating the need for users to recall or input account IDs during the transaction process.
3Reliability
If the system requires active user intervention for authentication purposes, then the security level is maintained, but the user experience and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual authentication actions with automated electronic processes. Instead of requiring users to actively present cards or input data, the mobile device automatically communicates with the payment terminal through wireless technologies. The authentication process is substituted from a manual mechanical action to an automated electronic exchange, maintaining security through encrypted communication while eliminating the need for active user intervention during the transaction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the payment terminal. It automatically handles the authentication process by managing wireless communication, transmitting account information, and receiving authorization responses. This intermediary role maintains security by ensuring proper authentication protocols are followed while reducing user intervention to simple initiation and receipt of the transaction result.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of electronic transactions, and provides methods and systems for reducing user interventions necessary for authentication of transactions. In an embodiment the invention implements an authentication server configured to receive from a terminal device an electronic payment transaction request and device IDs corresponding to devices having wireless communication capability that are detected within a wireless communication range of the terminal device. The authentication server selects a payment account for implementing the requested electronic payment transaction, wherein selection of the payment account is based on a determination that one or more of the device IDs received from the terminal device are associated with the identified payment account, and thereafter generates a payment transaction authentication decision.