Electronic Token Processing via Location Query Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of electronic tokens to accountless recipients in communication systems poses security concerns due to the lack of association with a financial institution, making it difficult to confirm the authorized recipient and increasing the risk of theft.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a location query for a user terminal associated with the electronic token, using wireless communication networks to determine the terminal's location and authenticate the user, thereby enhancing security by ensuring the token is processed only by the intended recipient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic tokens are transferred to accountless recipients, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication network entity as an intermediary that performs location queries and authentication. This intermediary verifies the recipient's identity by comparing location information and communication capabilities, enabling secure token transfer to accountless recipients without requiring traditional financial institution accounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/account-based verification system with an electronic communication-based verification system. Instead of requiring physical presence at a financial institution or maintaining traditional accounts, the system uses electronic location queries and communication capability verification to authenticate recipients.
2Ease of operation
If recipient account information is not stored, then ease of operation is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the communication network entity to perform self-service verification by automatically querying location information and checking communication capabilities. The system autonomously verifies recipient identity without requiring manual account management or storage, eliminating the need for traditional recipient account information while maintaining verification capabilities.
3Reliability
If location query is performed for authentication, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing multi-functional communication network entity that already performs various communication functions. By utilizing this existing entity's capabilities for location querying and authentication, the system adds verification functionality without requiring separate dedicated authentication infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Measures, including methods, apparatus and computer software are provided for processing electronic tokens. An authorization request is received in relation to processing of an electronic token. An identifier for a user terminal associated with the electronic token, and an account, are determined on the basis of the authorization request. In some arrangements, a location query for the user terminal is performed on the basis of the determined identifier, whereby to determine a location of the user terminal on the basis of a proximity of the user terminal to one or more base stations in a cellular telecommunications network. In some arrangements, a challenge message is sent to the user terminal, to establish a confidence that the transacting user terminal is the designated user terminal. Processing of the electronic token in relation to the account is selectively authorized on the basis of the result of the location query or challenge response.