Escrow Verification System for Shipped Goods Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for verifying the receipt of shipped goods are inefficient, as they often rely on untrained individuals to confirm delivery, leading to potential loss or misplacement of goods, resulting in delays and fraud.

Innovation Solution

A computerized method and system that uses an escrow verification system to authenticate the identity of the receiver as an authorized signatory through tokens, ensuring proper verification and release of funds only upon successful delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple signing process is used for goods receipt, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of verification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of goods receipt verificationVSAvoidreliability of receiver authentication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining and storing authentication data from the receiver before the goods delivery process. This authentication data is captured in advance and used during verification, allowing the actual delivery process to remain simple while ensuring reliable authentication through pre-prepared credentials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary verification mechanism that mediates between the simple signing action and the reliability requirement. The intermediary system captures, stores, and validates authentication data, bridging the gap between ease of operation and verification reliability without complicating the user interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual verification processes are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of the payment facilitation process deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of verification systemVSAvoidproductivity of payment processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically capturing authentication data from the receiver, storing it in a database, and performing verification without requiring complex manual intervention. The automated data capture and comparison processes eliminate the need for sophisticated verification devices while maintaining high productivity through streamlined operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical verification mechanisms with electronic data capture and processing. Instead of using elaborate physical verification systems, the invention uses electronic authentication data storage and automated comparison, reducing device complexity while enhancing productivity through efficient digital processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If tokens are stored and verified for authentication, then the reliability of signatory verification is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of authorized signatory verificationVSAvoidcomplexity of token management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the essential authentication element (token or authentication data) from the complex verification process and stores it separately in a database. This extraction allows the verification system to rely on simple data retrieval and comparison rather than complex real-time authentication mechanisms, maintaining reliability while reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the verification parameter from complex real-time authentication to simple data matching. By storing authentication data and comparing it against provided tokens or credentials, the system transforms a potentially complex verification process into a straightforward parameter comparison task, improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10552784B2Systems and methods to facilitate payment of shipped goods

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 WESTERN UNION CO

AI summary

One method herein includes forwarding an invoice for a purchase agreement made between a seller and a buyer. The method includes receiving a service selection indicating that the invoice is to be paid using an escrow system. The service selection includes a token for verification of a buyer's signatory. The method receives funding confirmation that the buyer has deposited funds into an escrow account. Based on funding confirmation, notification to ship the goods is sent. The method receives shipping confirmation confirming that the goods have been shipped. Upon receipt of the goods, a receiver is authenticated as the authorized signatory using the verification system. This authentication is based on the stored token matching a provided token. Based on verification of the receiver, the goods are released and the deposited funds from the escrow account are deposited into the seller's account.