ATM signature security system

• US 6,062,474 A
• Filed: 10/02/1997
• Issued: 05/16/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kroll Family Trust
• Original Assignee: Mark William Kroll
• Inventors: Kroll, Mark William
• Primary Examiner(s): Frech, Karl D.
• Application Number:
  US08/942,820
• Time in Patent Office: 957 Days
• Field of Search: 235/379, 235/380, 235/382, 235/382.5, 902/1, 902/2, 902/3, 902/5, 382/115
• US Class Current: 235/382
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 5/00 Methods or arrangements for verifying the correctness of markings on a record carrier; Column detection devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/1085 involving automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/18 involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/02 Banking, e.g. interest calculation or account maintenance credit or loans G06Q40/03
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/20 Automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/201 Accessories of ATMs
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/207 Surveillance aspects at ATMs
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/211 Software architecture within ATMs or in relation to the ATM network

Abstract

A method is taught for analyzing the keystroke timing signature of an ATM or other electronic commerce customer. The timing signature is compared to a database of previously stored keystroke timing sequences to allow for a test of the identity of the putative customer. This allows increased identification without the need for additional hardware beyond the ubiquitous keypad or keyboard.

Claims

1. A method of processing automatic teller machine transactions comprising the steps of:

measuring the timing parameters associated with the customer'"'"'s interactions with the machine

transmitting the machine type to an analysis site

transmitting the timing parameters to an analysis site

comparing those parameters to a stored reference which has an acceptance criterion depending on the type of automatic teller machine and

using the results of this comparison to make a decision as to whether or not to handle the transaction in a normal manner or not.

2. The method of claim 1 in which the timing parameters include those of the customer'"'"'s personal identification number.

3. The method of claim 1 in which the result of a comparison suggestion an abnormal transaction leads to the additional step of asking the customer to reenter at least some of the entered data.

4. The method of claim 1 in which the result of a positive comparison leads to the additional step of updating the stored reference.

5. The method of claim 1 in which the result of at least one comparison suggesting a abnormal transaction leads to the additional step of initiating a bank emergency procedure.

6. The method of claim 1 in which the result of at least one comparison suggesting a abnormal transaction leads to the additional step of calling the customer on an intercom.

7. The method of claim 1 in which the result of at least one comparison suggesting a abnormal transaction leads to the additional step of notifying law enforcement agencies.

8. The method of claim 1 in which the result of at least one comparison suggesting a abnormal transaction leads to the additional step of delaying the customer with messages suggesting that the transaction is progressing.

9. A method of processing electronic transactions comprising the steps of:

measuring the timing parameters associated with the customer'"'"'s interactions with the customer'"'"'s keyboard

transmitting the keyboard type to an analysis site

transmitting the timing parameters to an analysis site

comparing those parameters to a stored reference which has an acceptance criterion depending on the type of keyboard and

using the results of this comparison to make a decision as to whether or not to handle the transaction in a normal manner or not.

10. The method of claim 9 in which the result of a comparison suggesting a abnormal transaction leads to the additional step of asking the customer to re-enter the personal identification number.

11. The method of claim 9 in which the result of a positive comparison leads to the additional step of updating the stored reference.

12. A method of processing electronic transactions comprising the steps of:

measuring the timing parameters associated with the customer'"'"'s interactions with an entry machine

transmitting the machine type to an analysis site

transmitting the timing parameters to an analysis site

comparing those parameters to a stored reference which has an acceptance criterion depending on the type of machine and

using the results of this comparison to make a decision as to whether or not to handle the transaction in a normal manner or not.

13. The method of claim 12 in which the result of a comparison suggesting a abnormal transaction leads to the additional step of asking the customer to re-enter the personal identification number.

14. The method of claim 12 in which the result of a positive comparison leads to the additional step of updating the stored reference.