Contactless Delivery Verification via Ad Hoc Network Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery and pickup verification methods require physical or digital signatures, leading to close contact between parties, increasing the risk of germ transmission and potential deceit, especially during pandemics, and are vulnerable to forgery.
Innovation Solution
A contactless delivery verification system using ad hoc networks between provider and consumer devices, allowing for two-way verification through verification codes or tokens, reducing proximity and enhancing security and safety by using authentication services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical or digital signatures are required for delivery verification, then delivery authentication is achieved, but close contact between provider and consumer is required increasing germ transmission risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ad hoc network as an intermediary communication channel between the provider device and consumer device. This network enables verification code exchange without requiring physical contact, thus maintaining delivery authentication reliability while eliminating germ transmission risk through close contact
2Ease of operation
If physical signature pads or digital devices are exchanged for verification, then signature collection is enabled, but device exchange and close proximity are required decreasing security and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical signature pad system with an electronic verification code system transmitted over ad hoc networks. This substitution eliminates the need for physical device exchange and close proximity, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving security and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The ad hoc network serves as an intermediary that enables verification code exchange without direct device handoff or close contact between provider and consumer, thus achieving signature collection functionality while enhancing security and safety
3Reliability
If traditional signature verification methods are used, then delivery confirmation is obtained, but forgery and deceit are more likely due to signature complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses verification codes as digital copies of authentication credentials that are transmitted electronically through the ad hoc network. These codes are generated by the authentication service and can be verified programmatically, eliminating the forgery issues associated with manual signatures while maintaining delivery confirmation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the authentication service generates verification codes, the consumer provides feedback by entering the code, and the system confirms successful verification. This structured feedback loop enhances verification authenticity compared to traditional signature methods
Data Source
AI summary
Verified deliveries are commonplace for various exchanges of goods, packages, and/or other items, but often require close proximity or contact between the exchanging parties or devices associated therewith—e.g., for digital or physical signature. To remedy this, system and methods described herein may leverage an ad hoc network established between a device of a provider and a device of a consumer for exchanging codes or tokens—that may be validated by an authentication service—to provide a verification process during an exchange between the parties. As a result, a safe distance may be maintained between the parties throughout the transaction—thereby avoiding exchange of germs while also increasing safety and security of both parties—and the verification process may be more reliable and secure.