U.S. patent application number 15/593015 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-02 for financial transaction system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Advanced Silicon Technologies LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Advanced Silicon Technologies LLC. Invention is credited to Charles H. Dittmer.
Application Number | 20170316398 15/593015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43015847 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170316398 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dittmer; Charles H. |
November 2, 2017 |
FINANCIAL TRANSACTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A system and method for conducting a financial transaction is
disclosed. The system includes a first memory location embedded in
a personal portable device. The first memory location stores a
plurality of personal financial data files associated with a user.
The system also includes a second memory location to store
biometric information and a first input interface to receive
authentication information after initiation of a purchase
transaction session. The system also includes a security module
including an input coupled to the first interface to authenticate
the authentication information based on the biometric information
and an output interface comprising an input coupled to the first
memory location and an output to provide personal financial data
file information to a host device.
Inventors: |
Dittmer; Charles H.;
(Austin, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Advanced Silicon Technologies LLC |
Portsmouth |
NH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Advanced Silicon Technologies
LLC
Portsmouth
NH
|
Family ID: |
43015847 |
Appl. No.: |
15/593015 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13752476 |
Jan 29, 2013 |
9659290 |
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15593015 |
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12889864 |
Sep 24, 2010 |
8387859 |
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13752476 |
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11239923 |
Sep 30, 2005 |
7823766 |
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12889864 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 7/088 20130101;
G06Q 20/341 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101; G06Q 20/40 20130101;
G06Q 20/32 20130101; G06Q 20/10 20130101; G06Q 20/40145
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/32 20120101
G06Q020/32; G06Q 20/40 20120101 G06Q020/40; G06Q 20/40 20120101
G06Q020/40; G06Q 20/34 20120101 G06Q020/34; G06Q 20/20 20120101
G06Q020/20; G07F 7/08 20060101 G07F007/08; G06Q 20/10 20120101
G06Q020/10 |
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A method comprising: at a personal portable device:
transitioning from an inactive mode to an active mode in response
to a start signal received from a host system to initiate a
financial transaction; while in the active mode: authenticating
biometric information, and communicating one or more financial
account data records to the host system to conduct the financial
transaction; and transitioning from the active mode back to the
inactive mode after the financial transaction is completed.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the biometric information is
received from and collected by the host system.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein authenticating the biometric
information further comprising: comparing the biometric information
with biometric information stored at the personal portable
device.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the one or more financial
account data records are communicated to the host system after a
successful comparison of the biometric information.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein the biometric information is
received from the host system wirelessly in accordance with a
wireless protocol supported by the personal portable device.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more financial data
records are encrypted.
27. The method of claim 21, further comprising: communicating
information identifying a plurality of available financial account
data records to the host system, and receiving, from the host
system, a request for the one or more financial account data
records of the plurality of available financial account data
records, wherein the one or more financial account data records are
communicated to the host system in response to the request.
28. A method comprising: at a host system: communicating an
activation signal to a personal portable device to initiate a
financial transaction, wherein the activation signal causes the
personal portable device to transition from an inactive mode to an
active mode; while the personal portable device is in the active
mode: communicating biometric information to the personal portable
device, and receiving one or more financial account data records
from the personal portable device to conduct the financial
transaction; and communicating a termination signal to the personal
portable device indicating completion of the financial transaction,
wherein the termination signal causes the personal portable device
to transition from the active mode back to the inactive mode.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the biometric information is
collected at the host system and is communicated to the personal
portable device wirelessly.
30. The method of claim 29, further comprising: detecting a
wireless protocol supported by the personal portable device,
wherein the biometric information is communicated in accordance
with the wireless protocol.
31. The method of claim 28, further comprising: detecting a
presence of the personal portable device.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein detecting the presence further
comprises: periodically providing a wireless query to determine
whether the personal portable device is within range.
33. The method of claim 28, further comprising: receiving
information identifying a plurality of available financial account
data records from the personal portable device, wherein the
information is received after the biometric information has been
authenticated at the personal portable device.
34. The method of claim 33, further comprising: communicating, to
the personal portable device, a request for the one or more
financial account data records of the plurality of available
financial account data records, wherein the one or more financial
account data records are received in response to the request.
35. A personal portable device comprising: a memory to store one or
more financial account data records and to store biometric
information; an input interface to: receive a start signal from a
host system to initiate a financial transaction, wherein the start
signal causes the personal portable device to transition from an
inactive mode to an active mode; a security module to authenticate
biometric information while the personal portable device is in the
active mode; and an output interface to: communicate one or more
financial data records to the host system to conduct the financial
transaction while the personal portable device is in the active
mode, and receive a termination signal from the host system to
indicate completion of the financial transaction, wherein the
termination signal causes the personal portable device to
transition back from the active mode to the inactive mode.
36. The personal portable device of claim 35, wherein the input
interface is further configured to: receive, from the host system,
the biometric information collected by the host system while the
personal portable device is in the active mode.
37. The personal portable device of claim 35, wherein the biometric
information is authenticated by comparing the biometric information
with biometric information stored at the personal portable
device.
38. The personal portable device of claim 37, wherein the one or
more financial account data records are communicated to the host
system after a successful comparison of the biometric
information.
39. The personal portable device of claim 35, wherein the biometric
information is received from the host system wirelessly.
40. The personal portable device of claim 39, wherein the biometric
information is received in accordance with a wireless protocol
supported by the personal portable device.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] This Application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/752,476, entitled
"FINANCIAL TRANSACTION SYSTEM" filed on Jan. 29, 2013, which is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. application Ser.
No. 13/752,476 claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/889,864, entitled "FINANCIAL TRANSACTION
SYSTEM" filed on Sep. 24, 2010, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety. application Ser. No. 12/889,864 claims
the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 of U.S. application Ser. No.
11/239,923, entitled "FINANCIAL TRANSACTION SYSTEM" filed on Sep.
30, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to financial
transactions and more particularly to use of portable systems for
financial transactions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Consumer financial transactions, including purchase
transactions, often require the exchange of financial account
information, such as credit card information. The seller of a
product or service may require a purchaser to provide account
numbers, personal authentication information, or other information
in order to provide payment for the product or service. Even when
not required by a seller, paying for the product or service in this
way may be more convenient for the purchaser than other payment
methods, such as cash payment. However, there are security risks
for both the purchaser and the seller associated with using
personal account information to conduct a financial transaction. In
addition, particular sellers may only allow payment through
particular kinds of financial accounts, requiring a purchaser to be
in possession of a wide variety of financial account
information.
[0004] Therefore, a method and system for conducting financial
transactions that can provide security and convenience is
needed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The present disclosure may be better understood, and its
numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in
the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a particular embodiment of a
system for conducting a financial transaction;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of conducting a financial
transaction at a host computer in accordance with a particular
embodiment; and
[0008] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method of conducting a financial
transaction at a personal portable device in accordance with a
particular embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A system and method for conducting a financial transaction
is disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a first memory
location embedded in a personal portable device. The first memory
location stores a plurality of personal financial data files
associated with a user. The system also includes a second memory
location to store biometric information of a user of the personal
portable device and a first input interface to receive
authentication information after initiation of a purchase
transaction session. The system also includes a security module
including an input coupled to the first interface to authenticate
the authentication information based on the biometric information
and an output interface comprising an input coupled to the first
memory location and an output to provide personal financial data
file information to a host device.
[0010] One embodiment of the method includes initiating at a host a
purchase transaction session with a personal portable device,
transmitting biometric information from the host to the personal
portable device, wherein the biometric information is associated
with a first person and receiving information identifying a
plurality of available data files associated with the first person
from the personal portable device after transmitting the biometric
information. In a particular embodiment, the available data files
are associated with a corresponding financial account of the first
person and each available data file includes one or more account
records. The method also includes requesting one or more account
records associated with a first data file of the plurality of
available data files from the portable device and receiving the one
or more account records.
[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, a system for conducting a financial
transaction is illustrated. The system includes a personal portable
device 102, and a host device 104. The host device 104 communicates
with the personal portable device 102 via an interface. In a
particular embodiment, the interface is a wireless interface. In
another particular embodiment, the interface is a physical
connector.
[0012] The personal portable device 102 includes a memory 106, a
security module 112, and a communication interface 114. The memory
106 is coupled to the communication interface 114. The
communication interface 114 is coupled to the security module 112.
The memory 106 stores personal financial data files 108 and
biometric information 110.
[0013] The personal portable device 102 may be a security card, a
keychain device, or other appropriate device. A personal portable
device, such as the personal portable device 102 is a device that
is of sufficiently small size to allow a user to conveniently carry
the device on his person.
[0014] The host device 104 includes a memory 116, a communication
interface 120, and a biometric reader 122. The memory 116 stores
authentication information 118. The host device 104 may be a host
computer, a cash register, or other appropriate form factor. The
host device 104 may be located to conveniently conduct financial
transactions, such as in retail establishments, such as a
department store, convenience store, restaurant, and the like. In
one embodiment, the host device 104 is associated with a check-out
location of an establishment. In another embodiment host device 104
is associated with a service provided by the establishment, such as
an automated transaction machine (ATM).
[0015] During operation, the personal portable device 102 may
interface with the host device 104 to conduct a financial
transaction. To conduct a transaction, the personal portable device
102 and the host device 104 communicate via the communication
interface 114. The host device 104 may receive and transmit
communications to the personal portable device 102 via the
communication interface 120. In a particular embodiment, the
communication interface 114 and the communication interface 120 may
receive and transmit information over a physical connection, as
opposed to a wireless connection. For example, the personal
portable device 102 may be the size and dimensions of a credit
card, and may be inserted into a card slot in the host device 104,
resulting in the communication interface 120 being in communication
with the communication interface 114. In an alternative embodiment,
the communication interface 120 and the communication interface 114
may communicate wirelessly. In a particular embodiment, the host
device 104 may detect a wireless protocol supported by the personal
portable device 102. For example, the host device 104 may send a
query recognizable by the personal portable device 102, and in
response receive information from the device related to the
wireless protocols supported by the device.
[0016] The host device 104 includes a biometric reader 122. The
biometric reader 122 may be used to obtain biometric information
from a customer or other initiator of a financial transaction. The
biometric reader may include a fingerprint reader, retinal scanner
or other biometric device.
[0017] The biometric information may be used to provide security
and authentication information for the financial transaction. In
particular, the biometric reader 122 may provide the biometric
information to the personal portable device via the communication
interface 120. The security module 112 of the personal portable
device 102 may then compare the biometric information received from
the host device 104 to the biometric information 110 stored in the
memory 106. If the biometric information received from the host
device 104 does not match the biometric information 110 stored in
the memory 106, the security module 112 may transmit a message to
the host device 104 indicating a breach of security, and the host
device 104 may take appropriate action. The security module 112 may
take further security measures in response to biometric information
received from the host device 104 not matching the biometric of the
personal portable device 102, such as erasing the personal
financial data files 108 or disabling the personal portable device
102. Other security measures are possible. For example the,
security module 112 may instruct the host device 104 to provide a
notification or report to a security clearinghouse, a credit card
company or bank, or other entity. The host may also be instructed
to provide the biometric information received at the biometric
reader 122 to a law enforcement agency or other appropriate
entity.
[0018] If there is a match in the biometric information, the
personal portable device 102 may provide the personal financial
data files 108 to the host device 104. The host device 104 may use
the authentication information 118 to authenticate the personal
financial data files 108. The authentication information 118 may
include password information, personal identification number (PIN)
information, or other authentication information. The
authentication information 118 may be obtained from a purchaser
after a financial transaction has been initiated, from a central
database of authentication information (such a database that stores
credit card numbers and associated user information), or from
another appropriate source. The authentication information may be
protected. For example, the authentication information may be
encrypted using a personal or private key or password.
[0019] After the personal financial data files 108 have been
authenticated, the information associated with the files may be
used to complete a financial transaction. For example, if the
personal financial data files 108 include credit card information,
a charge may be assessed against the associated credit card
account. After the financial transaction has been completed, the
host device 104 may send a signal or other indication to the
personal portable device 102 indicating completion of the
transaction. The host device 104 may send further information, such
as information to enable the personal portable device 104 to update
account records stored at the device.
[0020] The personal financial data files 108 may include a
plurality of data files. Each data file may contain information
associated with personal financial records. A personal financial
record includes specific information associated with a particular
financial account. For example, a personal financial record may
include a credit card number and expiration date associated with a
particular credit card account. The personal financial record may
also include information such as an account holder name, a credit
limit, authentication information, and the like. The personal
financial data files 108 may store multiple personal financial
records in each data file, or may store a single record in each
file. In addition, the personal financial data files 108 may be
configured in a variety of ways. For example, the personal
financial data files 108 may include a data file that stores all of
the credit card numbers associated with the user of the personal
portable device 102, and may include expiration information for
each credit card in a separate file. Other configurations are
possible.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, a flow chart of a method of
communicating with a personal portable device is illustrated. At
202 the presence of a personal portable device is detected. The
presence of the personal portable device may be detected by a host
system. For example, the host device may include a magnetic
detector that detects the presence of an inductor or other
component incorporated in the personal portable device.
Alternatively, the host system can periodically provide a wireless
query to determine if there are any compatible personal portable
device within range.
[0022] In accordance with one embodiment, the host can provide an
activation signal at 202. In response to the receiving the
activation signal, a personal portable device will transition from
an inactive mode, such as low power mode, to an active mode. For
example, the personal portable device may be a battery-powered
device that operates in a low power mode. The low power mode may
only provide enough power to allow detection of the activation
signal. After receiving the activation signal, the personal
portable device may transition to an active mode. In the active
mode, the personal portable device may perform other functions,
such as transmission of information to a host device. The personal
portable device may return to the low power mode after a financial
transaction has been completed. Use of the low power mode may allow
longer battery life for the personal portable device. In another
particular embodiment, the personal portable device may include an
"off ` mode, where the device does not perform any functions. The
personal portable device may be transitioned from the off mode to
the low power or active mode through activation of a switch or
other input device on the personal portable device.
[0023] Proceeding to 206, a purchase transaction session with the
personal portable device is initiated at a host device. The host
device may be a personal computer, a cash register, or the like. In
a particular embodiment, a wireless protocol supported by the
personal portable device is detected after the purchase transaction
session has been initiated. Moving to step 208, biometric
information is transmitted to the personal portable device. In a
particular embodiment, the biometric information may be transmitted
according to a wireless protocol supported by the personal portable
device. Password information may be used instead of, or in addition
to, the biometric information.
[0024] The biometric information is associated with a person. The
person will typically be a customer in possession of the personal
portable device. The biometric information may be fingerprint or
other biometric information provided by the customer to the host to
allow the host to authenticate the identity of the possessor of the
personal portable device.
[0025] At 210, information identifying financial account records
stored in the data file associated with the person is received from
the personal portable device. The information may be received after
the biometric information has been authenticated.
[0026] At 212, one or more financial account records associated
with the data file are requested from the personal portable device.
The financial account records may include credit card information,
bank account information, or other financial information. In a
particular embodiment, each financial account is a credit card
account, and the one financial account records include credit card
numbers. In another particular embodiment the financial accounts
may be debit card accounts, checking accounts, or other financial
accounts.
[0027] At 214, one or more financial account records are received
from the personal portable device. The host device may use the
financial account records to obtain payment for the purchase
transaction. Proceeding to step 216, a signal is transmitted to the
personal portable device terminating the purchase transaction
session.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, a method of conducting a financial
transaction at a personal portable device is illustrated. At step
302 a start signal is received from a host to initiate a purchase
transaction session at a personal portable device. Proceeding to
step 304, the personal portable device is transitioned from a low
power state to a normal power state. In a particular embodiment,
the normal power state is an operational state for purposes of
communication with the host to conduct a transaction. The low power
state is operable to communicate with the host for purposes of
wake-up, but not for conducting a full financial transaction.
Moving to step 306, biometric information is received at the
personal portable device. The biometric information is associated
with a person, such as the owner or possessor of the personal
portable device.
[0029] Moving to step 308, the biometric information received is
authenticated. The biometric information may be authenticated by
comparing the received information to biometric information stored
at the personal portable device.
[0030] Proceeding to step 310, information identifying a plurality
of available financial account data records associated with the
person are transmitted from the personal portable device. The
financial account data records may include credit card information,
checking account or other bank information, or other financial
account information. In a particular embodiment, the financial
account data records are encrypted.
[0031] At step 312 a request is received at the personal portable
device for one or more of the financial account data records.
Moving to step 314, the financial account data records are
authenticated at the host device based on one or more security
criteria. The security criteria can include password information,
further biometric information, or other security information. The
security criteria may be set by a user. After the account data
records have been authenticated, the method moves to step 316 and
the requested account records are transmitted to the host. The host
may use the transmitted account records to assess a charge
associated with the particular financial account to complete the
financial transaction.
[0032] Other embodiments, uses, and advantages of the disclosure
will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of
the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein.
The specification and drawings should be considered exemplary only,
and the scope of the disclosure is accordingly intended to be
limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *