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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus, system and methods for automatic SIM card
dispensing with built in user’s identity verification mechanism capable of biometric
verification and SIM card activation mechanism for SIM card activation at the point-of-sale.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various type of Self service SIM card vending machines which detect identity of the user
have been used for many years. Such vending machines typically include a device for
authorization or identification of user. Similarly, vending machines that verify the identity of
the user through scanning of the user’s identity card and the data which is entered by the user
are also available in the art.
Generally vending machines in the prior art conduct user identity verification on the basis of
user’s documents scanning, personal information entered by user via a key board or other
input device on the vending machine and compared the information with data in a local or
remote database.
Further, recent advances in computer technology have made possible more reliable identity
verification methods. In particular, it has been previously proposed to use biometrics
information as a means of verifying the identity of user. For example, fingerprint
analysis, in particular, has been used for many years as an identification tool, and a variety of
devices are available to allow a person to place his or hand on a plate and capture the
fingerprints in digital electronic form.
However, there are a number of problems associated with the existing systems, in that the
personal information entered by the user may be false or identification documents can
become known to unauthorized users communicating the biometrics information to the
database. These methods of verifying user’s identity while dispensing SIM card have long
been recognized as inadequate.
Further, biometric indicia have also been used for automated identification of humans. The
use of biometric indicia for identification purposes requires that a particular biometric factor
be unique for each individual, that it be readily measured, and that it be invariant over time.
Although many indicia have been proposed over the years, fingerprints are perhaps the most
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familiar example of a successful biometric identification scheme. As is well known, no two
fingerprints are the same, and they do not change except through injury or surgery. It is
equally clear, however, that identification through fingerprints suffers from the significant
drawback of requiring physical contact with the person.
A biometric indicator that has been largely ignored by the art is the iris. The iris of every
human eye has a unique texture of high complexity, which proves to be essentially immutable
over a person's life. No two irises are identical in texture or detail, even in the same person.
The richness, uniqueness, and immutability of iris texture, as well as its external visibility,
make the iris suitable for automated and highly reliable personal identification. The
registration and identification of the iris can be performed using a video camera without any
physical contact, automatically and unobtrusively.
By comparison, other biometrics such as signatures, photographs, fingerprints, voice prints,
and retinal blood vessel patterns all have significant drawbacks. Although signatures and
photographs are cheap and easy to obtain and store, they are impossible to identify
automatically with assurance, and are easily forged. Electronically recorded voice prints are
susceptible to changes in a person's voice, and they can be counterfeited. Fingerprints or hand
prints require physical contact, and they also can be counterfeited and marred by artefacts.
There is no system exists that does full verification of the user providing biometric
recognition with connection to a third party central database or in-built database of biometric
data and with built in SIM card activation mechanism for SIM card activation at the point-ofsale.
In order to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, the invention provides an, apparatus,
system and methods for automatic SIM card dispensing with built in user’s identity
verification mechanism capable of biometric verification and SIM card activation mechanism
for SIM card activation at the point-of-sale.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus, system and methods for
automatic SIM card dispensing with built in user’s identity verification mechanism capable of
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biometric verification and SIM card activation mechanism for SIM card activation at the
point-of-sale.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a novel apparatus (27) for automatic SIM card dispensing
comprising:
an input device (1), an output device (2) for SIM card dispensing,
a screen (3) for display of instructions, an advertisement screen (4), a document scanner (6),
a document scanner (6’), a barcode scanner (7), a printer (8), a speaker (9), a card reader (10),
an USB port for card reader (11), a physical pen (12), a digital pen (13), a signature pad (14),
a document storage box (15), a scanner (15’), a cash receptor (16), a cooling fan (17), a body
sensor (19) ;
wherein the apparatus (27) comprises an iris scanner (21), a fingerprint scanner (20) for
capturing biometric information of the user, a camera (22) for capturing face picture of the
user;
wherein the apparatus (27) is capable of being in operative communication with means for
verifying the user’s identity by matching the data collected by means of the document
scanner (6), by the means of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by means of the
biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20) aided by the database
having pre-stored biometric data of the user or
by matching the data collected by means of the document scanner (6) with the data collected
by means of the camera (22) aided by the database having pre-stored face recognition data;
wherein the apparatus (27) is capable of being in operative communication with network
provider for executing a corrective action of SIM card dispensing and activation at the pointof-
sale.
The present invention also provides a method of operating a apparatus for automatic SIM
card dispensing with built in user’s identity verification mechanism and SIM card activation
mechanism for SIM card activation at the point-of-sale comprising the steps of:
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a) choosing the telecom operator SIM plans and entering data of the user by means of an
input device (1);
b) selection of documents for the user’s identity verification by means of an input device
(1) and carrying out a check for the user’s identity wherein the user’s identity check is
carried out by
(i) collecting the data of the user by scanning the document having biometric
information by means of the document scanner (6) or by means of barcode
scanner (7) and capturing the biometric data of the user by means of the
biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20) and
matching the data collected by means of the document scanner (6) or by
means of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by means of the
biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20) aided
by database having pre-stored biometric data of the user. or
(ii) entering the data of the user by scanning the document without biometric
information by means of the document scanner (6) and capturing the picture of
the user by means of the face recognition camera (22) and matching the data
collected by means of the document scanner (6) with the data collected by
means of the face recognition camera (22) aided by database having pre-stored
face recognition data.
c) Upon verification of data, choosing the mobile network operator and VAS services as
per the User’s requirement and sending the verified data and the user’s requirements
to the network provider via means of the provisioning channel;
d) accepting the terms and conditions as per network provider guidelines by digital
signing by means of the digital pen (13) and the signature pad (14);
e) making the payment and collecting the agreement documents thereof;
f) signing the documents by means of the physical pen (12) and scanning back into the
apparatus by means of the document scanner (6);
g) upon approval of payment, dispensing the desired SIM card by means of the output
device (2) to the User.
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The present invention also provides a novel system for automatic SIM card dispensing
comprising
(a) a novel apparatus (27) for automatic SIM card dispensing,
(b) a mean for verifying the user’s identity by matching the data collected by means of the
document scanner (6) and by the means of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by
means of the biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20);
(c) a mean for verifying the user’s identity matching the data collected by means of the
document scanner (6) with the data collected by means of the camera (22) aided by the
database having pre-stored face recognition data;
(d) a mean to connect the apparatus (27) with the network provider for executing a corrective
action of SIM card dispensing and activation at the point-of-sale.
wherein the apparatus (27) is capable of being in operative communication with means for
verifying the user’s identity by matching the data collected by means of the document
scanner (6), by the means of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by means of the
biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20) aided by the database
having pre-stored biometric data of the user or
by matching the data collected by means of the document scanner (6) with the data collected
by means of the camera (22) aided by the database having pre-stored face recognition data;
wherein the apparatus(27) is capable of being in operative communication with network
provider for executing a corrective action of SIM card dispensing and activation at the pointof-
sale.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Figure 1(a), 1(b) and 1 (c) depicts the components and parts of the automatic SIM card
dispensing apparatus (27) of the present invention.
Figure 2 depicts the inner details of the automatic SIM card dispensing apparatus (27).
Figure 3 depicts the details of the bottom view of automatic SIM card dispensing apparatus
(27).
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Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method of automatic SIM card dispensing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a novel system, apparatus and methods for automatic SIM
card dispensing with built in user’s identity verification mechanism capable of biometric
verification and SIM card activation mechanism for SIM card activation at the point-of-sale.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a novel apparatus (27) for automatic SIM
card dispensing comprising:
an input device (1), an output device (2) for SIM card dispensing,
a screen (3) for display of instructions, an advertisement screen(4), a document scanner (6), a
document scanner (6’), a barcode scanner (7), a printer (8), a speaker (9), a card reader (10),
an USB port for card reader (11), a physical pen (12), a digital pen (13), a signature pad (14),
a document storage box (15), a scanner (15’), a cash receptor (16), a cooling fan (17), a body
sensor (19) ;
wherein the apparatus (27) comprises an iris scanner (21), a fingerprint scanner (20) for
capturing biometric information of the user, a camera (22) for capturing face picture of the
user;
wherein the apparatus (27) is capable of being in operative communication with means for
verifying the user’s identity by matching the data collected by means of the document
scanner (6), by the means of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by means of the
biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20) aided by the database
having pre-stored biometric data of the user or
by matching the data collected by means of the document scanner (6) with the data collected
by means of the camera (22) aided by the database having pre-stored face recognition data;
wherein the apparatus (27) is capable of being in operative communication with network
provider for executing a corrective action of SIM card dispensing and activation at the pointof-
sale.
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The apparatus (27) of the invention is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1(a), 1(b) and 1 (c) depicts
the components and parts of the automatic SIM card dispensing apparatus (27) of the present
invention.
As shown in Figure 1, the present invention provides an apparatus (27) comprising an input
device for inserting data (1), an output device for SIM card dispensing (2), a touch screen for
display of instructions(3), an advertisement screen(4), a document scanner (6), a barcode
scanner(7), a printer (8), speakers (9), a card reader (10), an USB port for card reader (11), a
physical pen (12), a digital pen (13), a signature pad (14), a document storage opening (15), a
cash receptor (16), a cooling fan(17), a body sensor to detect the presence of the user (18), a
communication mode to communicate with network provider (19), a finger print scanner
(20), a biometric iris scanner (21) and a face recognition camera (22).
Figure 2 depicts the inner details of the automatic SIM card dispensing apparatus (27). The
automatic SIM card dispensing apparatus (27) comprise a paper printer (8), a card dispenser
(2), a document storage box (5), an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (25), a cash receptor
(16), a personal computer (26).
Figure 3 depicts the details of the bottom view of automatic SIM card dispensing apparatus
(27). The bottom part automatic SIM card dispensing apparatus (27) comprises four wheels
(29) on four corners which helps kiosk to slide over the ground.
The apparatus (27) of the present invention includes an input device (1) for inserting data, the
document scanner (6) for scanning the documents, a document scanner (6’) for capturing the
Digital Image of document and feeding the documents back into kiosk which finally keep
into storage box, the barcode scanner (7) for collecting details from documents, the speaker
(9) for communicating communicate with the service provider, the physical pen (12) for
writing manually on documents, the digital pen (13) for digitally capturing the data written on
documents to avoid and correct manual typing error , the signature pad (14) for importing
digital signature, a cash receptor (16) for payment by cash, a body sensor (19) to detect the
presence of the user, a cooling fan (17) for maintaining the temperature of the apparatus (27).
The input device (1) comprises keyboard, the screen (3) comprises a touch screen.
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The present invention also provides a method of operating an apparatus (27) for automatic
SIM card dispensing with built in user’s identity verification mechanism and SIM card
activation mechanism for SIM card activation at the point-of-sale comprising the steps of:
h) choosing the telecom operator SIM plans and entering data of the user by means of an
input device (1);
i) selection of documents for the user’s identity verification by means of an input device
(1) and carrying out a check for the user’s identity wherein the user’s identity check is
carried out by
(iii) collecting the data of the user by scanning the document having biometric
information by means of the document scanner (6) or by means of barcode
scanner (7) and capturing the biometric data of the user by means of the
biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20) and
matching the data collected by means of the document scanner (6) or by
means of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by means of the
biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20) aided
by database having pre-stored biometric data of the user. or
(iv) entering the data of the user by scanning the document without biometric
information by means of the document scanner (6) and capturing the picture of
the user by means of the face recognition camera (22) and matching the data
collected by means of the document scanner (6) with the data collected by
means of the face recognition camera (22) aided by database having pre-stored
face recognition data.
j) Upon verification of data, choosing the mobile network operator and VAS services as
per the User’s requirement and sending the verified data and the user’s requirements
to the network provider via means of the provisioning channel;
k) accepting the terms and conditions as per network provider guidelines by digital
signing by means of the digital pen (13) and the signature pad (14);
l) making the payment and collecting the agreement documents thereof;
m) signing the documents by means of the physical pen (12) and scanning back into the
apparatus (27) by means of the document scanner (6);
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n) upon approval of payment, dispensing the desired SIM card by means of the output
device (2) to the User.
In present invention, the document having biometric information comprises AADHAR
card and the like document having biometric information and the document without
biometric information comprises PAN card, Voter ID and the like.
The provisioning channel may be selected from the communication modes comprising
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) channel, a personal area network
(PAN), a local area network (LAN) and the like and the telecom operator SIM plans may
comprise pre-paid plan or post paid plan.
Figure 4 is a flow chart of the method of automatic SIM card dispensing. A user chooses the
pre-paid or post-paid plan and then chooses documentation for domestic identity verification
for example, Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID for Indian user. If user has documentation
having biometric information having iris scans, fingerprints which are stored in a centralised
database, e.g. AADHAR card for Indian user, choose yes and scan the document otherwise
press no and scan other documents having photographs.
For documentation having biometric information, choose iris scan or finger scan to
authenticate. If authentication is done, choose yes and then choose mobile network plan and
VAS service as per requirement. Then accept the terms and conditions as per network
provider guidelines and digitally sign the documents. Then proceed to making payment and
payment can be made by cash or card and collect the agreement documents of that. Then sign
the agreement documents and scan back into the apparatus (27) and collect the SIM.
For documentation having biometric information, if authentication is note done, then choose
other documents having photographs.
For documentation having photographs, scan the documents and fill the information
displayed on the screen and then proceed for the photo capture by the camera. The system
will match the photograph taken by the camera with the photograph on documents having
photographs. If authentication is done, choose yes and then choose mobile network plan and
VAS service as per requirement. Then accept the terms and conditions as per network
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provider guidelines and digitally sign the documents. Then proceed to making payment and
payment can be made by cash or card and collect the agreement documents of that. Then sign
the agreement documents and scan back into the apparatus (27) and collect the SIM.
The present invention also provides a novel system for automatic SIM card dispensing
comprising
(a) a novel apparatus (27) for automatic SIM card dispensing,
(b) a mean for verifying the user’s identity by matching the data collected by means of the
document scanner (6) and by the means of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by
means of the biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20);
(c) a mean for verifying the user’s identity matching the data collected by means of the
document scanner (6) with the data collected by means of the camera (22) aided by the
database having pre-stored face recognition data;
(d) a mean to connect the apparatus (27) with the network provider for executing a corrective
action of SIM card dispensing and activation at the point-of-sale.
wherein the apparatus (27) is capable of being in operative communication with means for
verifying the user’s identity by matching the data collected by means of the document
scanner (6), by the means of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by means of the
biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20) aided by the database
having pre-stored biometric data of the user or
by matching the data collected by means of the document scanner (6) with the data collected
by means of the camera (22) aided by the database having pre-stored face recognition data;
wherein the apparatus(27) is capable of being in operative communication with network
provider for executing a corrective action of SIM card dispensing and activation at the pointof-
sale.
The biometric verification is done by biometric analysis comprising iris, finger print, face
recognition and the like.
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The documentations for verifying user’s identity is selected from the documents PAN card,
Voter ID, Passport biometric identity verification documents such as Aadhaar card for and
the like.
In the present invention system, the SIM card dispensing apparatus (27) captures the
biometric data by means of the biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint
scanner (20) and generates an activation message that corresponds to the input selection by
the user to match the data collected by means of the document scanner (6), by the means of
barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by means of the biometric iris scanner (21) and by
means of the fingerprint scanner (20) aided by the database having pre-stored biometric data
of the user or
The SIM card dispensing apparatus (27) captures the data by means of the document scanner
(6), generates an activation message that corresponds to the input selection by the user to
match the data collected by means of the camera (22) aided by the database having prestored
face recognition data;
Further, upon verification of identity, the SIM card dispensing apparatus (27) captures the
network details based on the selection of the user and generates an activation message that
corresponds to the input selection by the user. The activation message can be transmitted over
the provisioning channel to connect with a network provider for SIM card activations at the
point-of-sale. The network provider receives the activation message via the provisioning
channel and initiates the activation process for the SIM card. Accordingly, the SIM card is
activated at the point of sale.
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION
1. The automatic SIM card dispensing system provides a one stop solution. A hardware
specification automatic SIM card dispensing device and assemblies with features, software
specifications, and user interface integration, software deployment on the system and
connectivity with main telecom provider, design and branding finalization, finalization of the
device external body, deployment and testing, After market, service level agreement and
device management, so the value proposition is provided in one stop solution.
2. Security alert at the time of opening and closing.
3. Biometric system with high security.
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4. Centralized system to update information from back end only and Telecom Company can
also review their revenue and profits.
5. Real time reporting which helps Telecom Company by providing automatic alerts for the sale
of every SIM card and real time monitoring system of machine’s every component.
6. Immediate sign up therefore the present invention works as a disruptor in high competitive
encashment.
7. Telecom Company is now able to cross sell other products and packages as well to the
customer on one platform.
8. More option to purchase for the customers.
9. Direct payment to the telecom company real-time cash or credit card therefore reducing
distribution cost and increase price competitiveness.
10. Reduction of Direct Advertising costs on mass media of highly densely populated areas
would watch the various advertising on the screen henceforth a reduction of advertising
budget.
11. Low OPEX and CAPEX as retails space is minimized and having a direct impact on rentals.
12. Reduction of high CAPEX operation parallel increase of distribution and brand presence in
en-catchment areas where it is needed.
13. Disruption of brand presence of competitors.
14. Reduction of a sales force and franchise costs and increase of sales margins.
15. Elimination of middlemen commissions
16. Shorten the time of payment collections as direct collection and improve cash flow.
17. Provides specific solution to insurance sector, hospitality sector, retail sector
The invention is illustrated by the following figures, examples and their associated
description which explains certain aspects of the system and method according to the present
invention. A person skilled in the art would recognize that there are several variations to the
illustrated system and method, which are within the scope and spirit of the invention and the
invention is not limited to the illustrations, which are provided only for explanatory purpose.

We claim:
1. A novel apparatus (27) for automatic SIM card dispensing comprising:
an input device (1), an output device (2) for SIM card dispensing,
a screen (3) for display of instructions, an advertisement screen(4), a document
scanner (6), a document scanner (6’), a barcode scanner (7), a printer (8), a speaker
(9), a card reader (10), an USB port for card reader (11), a physical pen (12), a digital
pen (13), a signature pad (14), a document storage box (15), a scanner (15’), a cash
receptor (16), a cooling fan (17), a body sensor (19) ;
wherein the apparatus (27) comprises an iris scanner (21), a fingerprint scanner (20)
for capturing biometric information of the user, a camera (22) for capturing face
picture of the user;
wherein the apparatus (27) is capable of being in operative communication with
means for verifying the user’s identity by matching the data collected by means of the
document scanner (6), by the means of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by
means of the biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20)
aided by the database having pre-stored biometric data of the user or
by matching the data collected by means of the document scanner (6) with the data
collected by means of the camera (22) aided by the database having pre-stored face
recognition data;
wherein the apparatus (27) is capable of being in operative communication with
network provider for executing a corrective action of SIM card dispensing and
activation at the point-of-sale.
2. The apparatus (27) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input device (1) comprises
keyboard, the screen (3) comprises a touch screen.
3. The apparatus (27) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes an input
device (1) for inserting data, the document scanner (6) for scanning the documents, a
document scanner (6’) for capturing the Digital Image of document and feeding the
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documents back into kiosk which finally keep into storage box, the barcode scanner
(7) for collecting details from documents, the speaker (9) for communicating
communicate with the service provider, the physical pen (12) for writing manually on
documents, the digital pen (13) for digitally capturing the data written on documents
to avoid and correct manual typing error , the signature pad (14) for importing digital
signature, a cash receptor (16) for payment by cash, a body sensor (19) to detect the
presence of the user, a cooling fan (17) for maintaining the temperature of the
apparatus.
4. A method of operating an apparatus (27) for automatic SIM card dispensing with built
in user’s identity verification mechanism and SIM card activation mechanism for SIM
card activation at the point-of-sale comprising the steps of:
a) choosing the telecom operator SIM plans and entering data of the user by means of an
input device (1);
b) selection of documents for the user’s identity verification by means of an input device
(1) and carrying out a check for the user’s identity wherein the user’s identity check is
carried out by
(i) collecting the data of the user by scanning the document having biometric
information by means of the document scanner (6) or by means of barcode
scanner (7) and capturing the biometric data of the user by means of the
biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20) and
matching the data collected by means of the document scanner (6) or by
means of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by means of the
biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20) aided
by database having pre-stored biometric data of the user. or
(ii) entering the data of the user by scanning the document without biometric
information by means of the document scanner (6) and capturing the picture of
the user by means of the face recognition camera (22) and matching the data
collected by means of the document scanner (6) with the data collected by
means of the face recognition camera (22) aided by database having pre-stored
face recognition data.
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c) Upon verification of data, choosing the mobile network and VAS services as per the
User’s requirement and sending the verified data and the user’s requirements to the
network provider via means of the provisioning channel;
d) accepting the terms and conditions as per network provider guidelines by digital
signing by means of the digital pen (13) and the signature pad (14);
e) making the payment and collecting the agreement documents thereof;
f) signing the documents by means of the physical pen (12) and scanning back into the
apparatus (27) by means of the document scanner (6);
g) upon approval of payment, dispensing the desired SIM card by means of the output
device (2) to the User.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the document having biometric
information comprises AADHAR card and the like document having biometric
information.
6. The method as claimed in claim 4, the document without biometric information
comprises PAN card, Voter ID and the like.
7. The method as claimed in claim 4, the telecom operator SIM plans comprises pre-paid
plan, post-paid plan.
8. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the provisioning channel may be selected
from the communication modes comprising Unstructured Supplementary Service
Data (USSD) channel, a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN)
and the like.
9. The present invention also provides a novel system for automatic SIM card dispensing
comprising
(a) a novel apparatus (27) for automatic SIM card dispensing,
(b) a mean for verifying the user’s identity by matching the data collected by the means
of barcode scanner (7) with the data collected by means of the biometric iris scanner (21)
and by means of the fingerprint scanner (20);
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(c) a mean for verifying the user’s identity matching the data collected by means of the
document scanner (6) with the data collected by means of the camera (22) aided by the
database having pre-stored face recognition data;
(d) a mean to connect the apparatus (27) with the network provider for executing a
corrective action of SIM card dispensing and activation at the point-of-sale.
wherein the apparatus (27) is capable of being in operative communication with means for
verifying the user’s identity by matching the data collected by the means of barcode scanner
(7) with the data collected by means of the biometric iris scanner (21) and by means of the
fingerprint scanner (20) aided by the database having pre-stored biometric data of the user or
wherein the apparatus (27) is capable of being in operative communication with means for
verifying the user’s identity by matching the data collected by means of the document
scanner (6) by matching the data collected by means of the document scanner (6) with the
data collected by means of the camera (22) aided by the database having pre-stored face
recognition data;
wherein the apparatus(27) is capable of being in operative communication with the means to
connect with network provider for executing a corrective action of SIM card dispensing and
activation at the point-of-sale.