Dynamic Transaction Cards for Multi-User Group Approval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack effective methods for multi-user identification in authorizing group transactions, particularly in scenarios where group members are not physically present, making it cumbersome to ensure that multiple individuals within a group approve transactions.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates dynamic transaction cards based on a secret sharing algorithm, where a threshold number of cards must be approved for a transaction to be completed, allowing for remote multi-user identification and approval through mobile devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional multi-user identification methods are used for group transactions, then all users must be physically present in a shared location, but this makes the transaction process cumbersome and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTransaction approval convenienceVSAvoidMulti-user identification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the multi-user identification system into separate dynamic transaction cards, each assigned to individual users. Each card contains a unique identifier and can be independently used for authentication. This segmentation allows users to approve transactions remotely without physical presence, as each user's card can be individually verified by the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple users and the transaction system. The server receives transaction requests, identifies required approvers, sends notifications to their mobile devices, and aggregates approval statuses. This intermediary enables remote coordination without requiring users to be physically present together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If dynamic transaction cards with secret sharing algorithm are implemented, then transaction security is enhanced through threshold approvals, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTransaction approval securityVSAvoidSecret sharing algorithm implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secret is divided into multiple shares distributed across different dynamic transaction cards. Each card holds a portion of the authentication credentials rather than the complete secret. This segmentation ensures that no single card can independently approve transactions, enforcing the threshold requirement and enhancing security through distributed trust.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures dynamic transaction cards with specific approval thresholds and user assignments before transactions occur. The secret sharing algorithm is implemented in advance during card provisioning, embedding the security logic into each card's authentication mechanism. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during transaction approval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote approval mechanisms are implemented through mobile devices, then user availability for transactions is improved, but the risk of unauthorized approvals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser availability for transactionsVSAvoidUnauthorized transaction risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time feedback loops where the server continuously monitors approval statuses and communicates with users' mobile devices. When a transaction request is received, the server notifies relevant users, tracks their responses, and provides status updates. This feedback mechanism ensures that only authorized approvals are counted and that users are aware of transaction states, reducing unauthorized approval risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the approval process based on real-time conditions. If the required threshold of approvals is not met within a specified time frame, the system can extend deadlines, send reminders, or escalate to alternative approval mechanisms. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain security while accommodating user availability variations without increasing unauthorized approval risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4227875A1Systems and methods for linking transaction devices
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 CAPITAL ONE SERVICES LLC
  • EP4227875A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4227875A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4227875A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system may program a plurality of dynamic transaction cards, wherein a threshold number of the plurality of dynamic transaction cards is required for approving a transaction. The system may assign each dynamic transaction card of the plurality of dynamic transaction cards to a respective user of a plurality of users. The system may receive, from a first respective user of the plurality of users, a request to complete the transaction. The system may cause a respective mobile device, associated with second respective user(s) of the plurality of users, to display an approval request. The system may receive approval(s) from a respective dynamic transaction card, via the respective mobile device of the second respective user(s), in response to the approval request. The system may determine whether a total number of the approval(s) matches the threshold number of dynamic transaction cards, and responsive to making that determination, may approve the transaction.