Encrypted Electronic Token for Anonymous Package Signing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional package delivery systems require identification and location verification, which can compromise recipient privacy and inflexibility in delivery locations, especially when privacy laws and real-time location changes are involved.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile device to identify and decrypt an encrypted electronic token associated with a package, allowing anonymous signing and flexible delivery location changes through NFC communication, leveraging public and private key infrastructure for secure and private transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the delivery company requests identification to ensure authorized signing, then the security and reliability of package delivery is improved, but the recipient's privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic token as an intermediary that mediates between the recipient's private key and the delivery company's verification system. The token contains encrypted information that proves authorization without exposing the recipient's identity or personal information, thus maintaining both security and privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential verification element (authorization proof) from the recipient's personal information. By placing only the necessary cryptographic proof in the electronic token and leaving out identifying information, the system achieves verification without compromising privacy.
2Measurement precision
If the package must be delivered to the location included with the order, then the accuracy of delivery location is improved, but the flexibility for real-time location changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the delivery location dynamic by allowing the recipient to update the electronic token with new location information in real-time. The system transitions from a static predetermined location to a dynamic location that can change based on the recipient's current position or preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic token serves multiple functions: it contains the recipient's authorization, the original delivery location, and the capability to update to new locations. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain location accuracy while providing flexibility for changes.
3Loss of information
If the recipient wants to remain anonymous to the delivery company, then the privacy protection is improved, but the ability to verify authorized signing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical identification documents and face-to-face verification with a cryptographic system. The electronic token uses public-key cryptography to enable verification of authorization without requiring the delivery company to see or interact with the recipient's personal information.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic token acts as an intermediary that carries cryptographic proof of authorization. It bridges the gap between the need for verification and the desire for anonymity by providing machine-verifiable proof without human-identifiable information.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a method. The method includes identifying, using a mobile device, an encrypted electronic token associated with at least one physical package designated for delivery to a destination. The electronic token having been encrypted by a first key associated with a particular party. The method also includes electronically signing, using the mobile device, for the at least one physical package. This includes initiating a decryption of the encrypted electronic token with a second key associated with the particular party. For example, the mobile device may possess a corresponding private key of the particular party. The private key may be able to undo the encryption of the token that was performed using the public key. Thus, the mobile device may be able to decrypt the encrypted electronic token to determine the original electronic token. The mobile device may return the decrypted electronic token verifying that a party in possession of and/or accompanying the mobile device is authorized to receive the package.