Email-Based Gift Card Security via SMTP Token Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic gift card systems require physical cards for transactions, leading to complications in distribution and redemption, especially online, resulting in missed opportunities for vendors and underutilization of gift cards due to the need for physical possession and complex processes.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that integrates email, SMS, and social media payments with payment processors, allowing gift cards to be associated with email addresses or phone numbers for secure transactions, enabling gifting and redemption without physical cards, and streamlining the process through an e-commerce system that manages accounts and payments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical cards are used for electronic gift card transactions, then security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to distribution and redemption complications

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddistribution and redemption complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical gift cards with electronic copies delivered via email. The gift card information is copied and transmitted digitally to the recipient's email address, eliminating the need for physical card distribution while maintaining security through email delivery confirmation and tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical physical card system with an electronic email-based system. Instead of physically distributing cards through mail or hand-delivery, the system uses electronic mail transmission to deliver gift card information, simplifying the distribution mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If physical cards are required for gift card redemption, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for physical possession

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidredemption convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables recipients to access gift card information through email copies without needing physical possession of a card. The gift card details are copied into the email message, allowing recipients to redeem gifts digitally from any location with internet access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces email as an intermediary between the gift giver and recipient. Instead of direct physical card transfer, the email system mediates the delivery and redemption process, allowing secure electronic transmission and access to gift card information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If email-based checkout is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to potential email compromise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheckout convenienceVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through email confirmation and tracking. The system sends confirmation emails to verify successful gift card delivery and redemption, allowing users to monitor and verify transactions, thereby enhancing security through automated verification processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20220101303A1System and method for improving the security of an e-commerce transactions using simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP)

Publication Date: 2022.03.31 SWOOP IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

The disclosed systems and methods enable a user to securely transfer and use gift cards by exchanging emails with embedded tokens. The embedded tokens and the originating email addresses of the exchanged emails are used to authenticate and validate the transfer and use of the gift cards, thereby increasing the security of the e-commerce transaction.