Delivery Token Authentication for Secure Purchase Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for verifying delivery of online purchases lack reliability in confirming that goods are received by the intended recipient, leading to potential disputes and fraud, as they do not ensure that the person signing for the goods is authorized to receive them.
Innovation Solution
A system generates a delivery token that is matched between the consumer's and delivery personnel's mobile devices, allowing secure confirmation of receipt and enabling access only to authenticated users, thereby ensuring that the delivery is made to the correct recipient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a signature is collected on a mobile device to confirm delivery, then repudiation by the intended recipient is reduced, but the system cannot prevent delivery to the wrong person
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates and distributes delivery tokens to authorized recipients before the actual delivery occurs. The recipient receives the token via SMS or email in advance, enabling them to authenticate receipt without requiring complex on-site verification equipment. This preliminary distribution of authentication credentials resolves the contradiction by establishing verification capability beforehand while keeping the delivery moment simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a delivery token as an intermediary element that mediates between the delivery person and the recipient. Instead of directly verifying identity through complex biometric or document checks, the system uses this token intermediary that the recipient possesses and can present. This intermediary simplifies the authentication process while maintaining reliability, as the token serves as proof of authorized receipt without requiring the delivery person to perform complex verification procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If delivery tokens are distributed to multiple parties including neighbors, then flexible delivery options are enabled, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the delivery authentication process by creating separate, independent delivery tokens for different authorized recipients (the primary recipient and alternative recipients like neighbors). Each token is distinct and can be independently validated. This segmentation allows flexible delivery arrangements while maintaining security, as each token represents a specific authorized recipient and can be tracked and validated individually through the digital wallet system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the digital wallet and backend servers track and record which delivery token is used for authentication. When a token is presented, the system verifies it against the recorded list of authorized tokens for that delivery, providing immediate feedback on whether the presentation is valid. This feedback loop enables security monitoring and tracking of delivery authentication events, allowing the system to maintain security while supporting multiple authorized recipients.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of providing authenticated delivery of a purchase to an authorised recipient comprises: a. authorising (S2-1) a purchase, including designating an authorised recipient for the purchase; b. providing (S2-3) corresponding delivery tokens (4a, 4b) to a recipient device (3) of the authorised recipient and to a delivery device (13) associated with delivery of the purchase; c. at the point of delivery, determining (S2-7) whether the delivery token (4a) of the recipient device (3) matches the delivery token (4b) of the delivery device (13); and, if so: d. confirming (S2-9) that delivery of the purchase is authorised.