Location-Based Delivery Token for Recipient Co-Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional package delivery systems lack confirmation of recipient co-location and authorization, posing risks for high-value assets like pharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a wireless tracker affixed to the asset, which communicates with a cloud-based server to verify the location of the asset and an authorized recipient's mobile device, sending a passcode for authentication only when both are within a defined delivery location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional package delivery confirmation is used, then delivery speed is maintained, but security and verification of recipient authorization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is segmented into multiple independent components: a tracking device attached to the package, a mobile device application for the recipient, and a server system. Each component performs a specific function (tracking location, displaying passcode, verifying authentication) and they work together to provide comprehensive security without requiring a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the tracking device and the mobile device. It receives location data from the tracking device, generates the passcode, and sends it to the mobile device. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain security while keeping individual components relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If location tracking and authentication verification are implemented, then delivery accuracy is improved, but system complexity and operational steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device application serves multiple functions: it displays the passcode, verifies the recipient's identity, and communicates with the server. The server also performs multiple roles including receiving location data, generating passcodes, and managing the authentication process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the recipient's own mobile device for authentication, eliminating the need for separate authentication hardware. The mobile device leverages its existing capabilities (display, communication, location services) to perform the authentication function, making the system simpler to deploy.
3Reliability
If passcode authentication is sent only when both asset and recipient are at delivery location, then delivery security is enhanced, but time for verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the locations of both the tracking device and the mobile device in advance. When both are detected at the delivery location, the passcode is immediately generated and sent without delay. This preliminary monitoring ensures that authentication can occur instantly when conditions are met, minimizing verification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring location data from both the tracking device and mobile device. This real-time feedback allows the system to automatically determine when both are at the delivery location and trigger the passcode generation immediately, reducing manual intervention and verification time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, including, associating a wireless tracker with an asset, tracking a location of the asset via the wireless tracker, determining a recipient mobile device authorized to accept receipt of the asset, determining a recipient mobile device holder is authorized to accept receipt of the asset, determining if the location of the asset is within a defined delivery location, determining if the authorized recipient mobile device is within the defined delivery location, sending a passcode to the authorized recipient mobile device if the authorized recipient mobile device location and the location of the asset are within the defined delivery location, receiving an authenticated passcode from the authorized recipient mobile device within the defined delivery location and notifying a delivery agent that delivery of the asset is approved.