Electronic Gift Card Transfer via User Interface Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gift card transactions are inconvenient and inefficient, requiring physical purchase and delivery, with limited redemption options and security risks, especially when conducted electronically using mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A method for storing and managing electronic gift cards on portable devices, allowing users to receive, import, and redeem gift cards electronically through a server-hosted system, enabling secure and convenient transactions without physical cards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical gift cards are used for transactions, then security and reliability are improved, but convenience and time efficiency deteriorate due to required physical travel and delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction securityVSAvoidconvenience of purchase and redemption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the physical gift card by extracting its data (card number, PIN, balance) and storing it in an electronic wallet application on a mobile device. This digital replica maintains all functional value while eliminating the need for physical handling, travel, and delivery, thus resolving the contradiction between security and convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of gift card handling (physical cards, manual delivery, in-person redemption) with an electronic/digital system (mobile application, electronic data transmission, digital redemption). This substitution maintains security through encryption and authentication while dramatically improving convenience and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If electronic gift card transactions are conducted over the internet using mobile devices, then convenience is improved, but security risks increase due to susceptibility to loss, theft and tampering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of electronic transactionsVSAvoidsecurity against loss and theft

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating multiple layers of security measures prior to and during electronic gift card transactions. These include encrypted storage of card data in the electronic wallet, authentication mechanisms, and secure communication protocols. These preventive measures cushion against potential security threats while maintaining the convenience of electronic transactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional online gift card purchase processes are used, then electronic transaction capability is improved, but user experience deteriorates due to confusing interfaces and time-consuming procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic transaction capabilityVSAvoiduser experience during purchase

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling users to automatically add gift card data to their electronic wallets through simplified processes. The system automatically extracts card information, encrypts it, and stores it without requiring users to navigate complex interfaces or manually input data multiple times. This self-service approach maintains electronic transaction capability while dramatically improving user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If gift cards are limited to single retailer redemption, then security and control are improved, but versatility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemerchant control over gift cardsVSAvoidredemption options

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating an electronic wallet system that can store and manage multiple gift cards from different retailers within a single application. The system maintains each card's specific redemption restrictions while providing a unified interface for managing diverse gift cards, thus enhancing versatility without compromising merchant control or security protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10664823B2Method for using a user interface control to transfer an ID from a server

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 CASHSTAR INC

AI summary

A method is disclosed for storing an electronic gift card (eGC) on a portable electronic device. The method includes: receiving a request for a web page hosted by a prepaid instrument provider server, the request including a uniform resource locator (URL) associated with a selected eGC stored on the server; associating with the selected eGC a unique identification code and a URL link to the selected eGC; sending the web page with a user-interface control that, when selected, causes the selected eGC to be added to an electronic passbook on the portable electronic device; responsive to selection of the user-interface control, receiving the unique identification code associated with the selected eGC; responsive to receiving the unique identification code, creating an electronic passbook file for the selected eGC; and, communicating the electronic passbook file for adding as a representation of the selected eGC to the electronic passbook.