Kit, System And Associated Method And Service For Providing A Platform To Prevent Fraudulent Financial Transactions

Patent No. US12014347 (titled "Kit, System And Associated Method And Service For Providing A Platform To Prevent Fraudulent Financial Transactions") was filed by Paygeo Llc on Aug 10, 2021.

What is this patent about?

’347 is related to the field of financial transactions, specifically systems and methods for enabling the exchange of cash, digital currency, and commodities in a mobile telecommunications environment. The background acknowledges the increasing use of mobile devices for financial transactions but notes the persistence of cash and the limitations of existing ATM systems, particularly for non-bank customers. The invention aims to provide a platform that facilitates cashless transactions and addresses the need for a true electronic wallet.

The underlying idea behind ’347 is to create a mobile platform that allows users to conduct a wide range of financial transactions, including transferring cash, exchanging currencies and commodities, and managing accounts, all within a secure mobile environment. A key aspect is the integration of multiple security layers, including passwords, voice recognition, fingerprints, and even DNA authentication , to ensure secure access and prevent fraudulent activities. The system also aims to bridge the gap between digital and physical cash by enabling ATM interactions without traditional bank cards.

The claims of ’347 focus on securely accessing a local application on a mobile device. Specifically, the independent claims cover a method and a system that allow a user to set a desired security level configuration. This configuration determines whether a single security level or multiple security levels are required before accessing a feature within the application. The authentication process then adapts based on this setting, requiring either a single security level scan or multiple security level scans .

In practice, the invention works by providing a mobile application that users can download and install on their smartphones or tablets. This application allows users to set up various security levels, such as passwords, voice prints, or fingerprint scans. When accessing sensitive features within the app, the user is prompted to authenticate using the selected security measures. The system also integrates with ATMs, allowing users to withdraw or deposit cash using codes generated by the app, eliminating the need for physical cards. The Swipay function facilitates direct wireless transfers between devices.

The invention differentiates itself from prior approaches by offering a comprehensive mobile financial platform with enhanced security features. Unlike existing mobile payment systems that may still rely on traditional banking infrastructure, ’347 aims to create a self-contained ecosystem for managing and exchanging cash and commodities. The use of multiple security layers, including biometric authentication, provides a higher level of security compared to traditional password-based systems. Furthermore, the integration with ATMs and the ability to generate scannable codes for transactions offer a more convenient and flexible way to access and manage funds.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the early 2010s when ’347 was filed, mobile communication devices were becoming increasingly prevalent for financial transactions, at a time when users commonly relied on carrying cash alongside digital payment methods. Hardware and software constraints made it non-trivial to create a true electronic wallet that could fully replace physical cash, especially given the varying preferences for cash transactions in different societies and the limitations of ATM accessibility for non-bank customers.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The examiner allowed the claims because the earliest filing date of the application predates the cited prior art references. Therefore, the claims overcome the rejections based on these prior art documents.

Claims

This patent contains 10 claims, with independent claims 1 and 6. Independent claim 1 focuses on a method for secure access to a local application on a mobile device, while independent claim 6 focuses on a system for the same purpose. The dependent claims elaborate on the authentication processes, such as passwords and biometric scans, used in the method and system.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Authentication process
(Claim 1, Claim 6)
“PayGeo service uses an integrated ultra secure technology that enables cash-less transactions and eliminates the need to carry credit cards, cash, thus replacing all the contents of a physical wallet, and completely supplanting the physical wallet with a digital wallet.”A procedure requiring a user to verify their identity before accessing features of the local application, based on the configured security level.
Desired security level configuration setting
(Claim 1, Claim 6)
“PayGeo service allows user to upload his or her smart phones to host and store all information that is normally stored in a wallet or purse by means of, for example scanning, swiping, manual entry, and voice recognition, of various items such as: credit cards, identification cards, mileage-accumulating cards, points accumulating cords, insurance cards, membership cards, etc.”A user-defined setting within the local application that determines whether a single or multiple security levels are required for authentication.
Local application
(Claim 1, Claim 6)
“The present system provides a platform that enables members to transfer, receive, or otherwise exchange cash and digital currency in various international denominations and commodities, such as precious metals (e.g., gold, silver, etc.), in a mobile telecommunications environment.”An application residing and executing on a mobile device, as opposed to a web-based or remote application.
Mobile device
(Claim 1, Claim 6)
“As used herein, mobile communications devices include such electronic devices as the personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular, mobile, and satellite telephones (collectively referred to as cell phones), portable computers also referred to as tablets, and other similar devices that are known or will be become available, and that allow remote access to financial and other accounts, without necessarily tying down the users to their desktop computers or to a specific locale.”An electronic device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular, mobile, and satellite telephone, or portable computer that allows remote access to financial and other accounts.
Security level scan
(Claim 1, Claim 6)
“PayGeo service allows the transactions to be coded in 2D or 3D bar/matrix/QR/maxi codes, SMS etc., so that the resulting codes may be read by, for example: smart phones, scanner, cashier scanners, instruments with compatible software, etc.”A single instance of a security check performed during the authentication process.

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US12014347

PAYGEO LLC
Application Number
US17398789
Filing Date
Aug 10, 2021
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Sep 15, 2031
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents