Digital Asset Reversal via Pre-authorized Offset Tokens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital asset transfer systems do not provide a mechanism for reversing digital asset transfers, especially in real-time systems where immediate transfers cannot be reversed unless the recipient initiates a counter-transfer, which may not be possible due to communication failures or unwillingness.

Innovation Solution

A reversal system that includes a communications module, processor, and memory to store a token for executing offsetting transfers from a second storage location to a first storage location, allowing for reversal of digital asset transfers based on eligibility criteria such as non-receipt of goods, exceeded time periods, or proof of delivery issues, using real-time transfer rails and pre-authorized debit procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a real-time transfer system is used for digital asset transfers, then the transfer speed and immediacy are improved, but the ability to reverse the transfer is lost unless the recipient initiates a counter-transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidreversal capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining pre-authorization from the recipient before the transfer is initiated. This pre-authorization creates a conditional framework that allows the sender to reverse the transfer later if certain conditions are met, such as non-receipt of goods or service deficiencies. The pre-authorized debit procedure stores the recipient's consent in advance, enabling future reversal without requiring the recipient's immediate action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary reversal system that acts as a mediator between the sender and recipient. This intermediary system manages the reversal process by verifying eligibility criteria, processing offsetting transfers, and coordinating between parties. The intermediary handles the complexity of reversal operations, allowing the real-time transfer system to maintain its speed while gaining reversal capability through the mediating layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the recipient must initiate a counter-transfer for reversal, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the reliability of reversal is reduced when the recipient is unable or unwilling to act

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidreversal reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system obtains pre-authorization from the recipient before the transfer occurs, creating a standing instruction that enables future reversal. This preliminary action ensures the recipient's consent is captured in advance, making the reversal process reliable even when the recipient is later unable or unwilling to initiate a counter-transfer. The pre-authorized debit procedure stores this consent securely for later execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reversal system enables the sender to initiate the reversal process independently by submitting a reversal request with supporting documentation. The system automatically processes the reversal by executing an offsetting transfer based on the pre-authorization, without requiring the recipient's active participation. This self-service capability makes the reversal process reliable regardless of the recipient's willingness or ability to act.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If automated reversal with eligibility criteria is implemented, then the reversal reliability is improved, but the system complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversal reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the sender must provide documentation proving eligibility for reversal, such as evidence of non-receipt of goods or service deficiencies. The reversal system evaluates this feedback against predefined eligibility criteria and automatically approves or denies the reversal request. This feedback loop ensures reliable reversal decisions while maintaining systematic control over the complexity through clear, rule-based evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of the transfer by executing an offsetting transfer that reverses the original transaction. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain the original transfer records while creating a new compensating transaction. The eligibility criteria and pre-authorization framework provide structured parameters that guide the reversal process, managing complexity through defined rules rather than ad-hoc processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Extent of automation

If pre-authorized debit procedures are used for offsetting transfers, then the automated reversal capability is improved, but the initial setup complexity and security requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated reversal capabilityVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system obtains pre-authorization from the recipient before the transfer occurs, creating a standing instruction for potential future reversal. This preliminary action captures the recipient's consent in advance, enabling fully automated reversal processing later. The pre-authorized debit procedure stores this consent securely, allowing the system to execute offsetting transfers automatically when reversal conditions are met, without requiring manual intervention at the time of reversal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary reversal system that manages the pre-authorization and offsetting transfer processes. This intermediary handles the security and complexity of pre-authorized debit procedures by providing a centralized platform for managing authorizations, verifying eligibility, and executing reversals. The intermediary absorbs the setup complexity and security management, allowing the core transfer system to remain simple while gaining automated reversal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230306434A1Systems and methods for reversing a transfer of a digital asset
Publication Date: 2023.09.28 THE TORONTO DOMINION BANK
  • US20230306434A1 patent drawing
  • US20230306434A1 patent drawing
  • US20230306434A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for reversing a transfer of a digital asset are described. A method may include storing a token, the token providing for one or more transfers from a second storage location to a first storage location; receiving notification of a first transfer from the first storage location to the second storage location; detecting the first transfer from the first storage location to the second storage location; receiving a request for a reversal of the first transfer; determining an eligibility of the request for the reversal of the first transfer; and responsive to determining the eligibility of the request for the reversal of the first transfer, performing the reversal of the first transfer by executing, using the token, an offsetting transfer from the second storage location to the first storage location.