Stored Value Card Packaging with Unviewable Security and Readable Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Stored value cards are vulnerable to fraudulent use due to visible information during purchase and activation, which can lead to illegal use, especially in open system cards that can be used globally.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that secures stored value cards within a package unviewably, using a readable information area on the package to initiate communication with a host system for verification and activation, allowing purchase and activation without requiring the card to be visible, thereby preventing unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the stored value card information is made visible during purchase and activation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against fraudulent use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of purchase and activationVSAvoidfraudulent use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the card information into two parts: a visible portion displayed on the package for purchase identification, and a hidden portion containing sensitive activation data that remains concealed within the package until activation occurs. This segmentation allows the card to be easily identified and purchased while protecting sensitive information from premature exposure to fraudsters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary package structure that mediates between the need for visible card information and security requirements. The package acts as an intermediary container that displays necessary purchase information while physically protecting and concealing the actual card and its sensitive data until the activation process is initiated through verified channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the stored value card is kept unviewably secured within the package, then the security against fraudulent use is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefraudulent useVSAvoidease of purchase and activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the package with visible identification information and pre-establishing verification protocols before the purchase transaction occurs. This allows the card to remain securely concealed while still enabling easy identification, selection, and processing during the purchase phase, eliminating the need for customers to physically handle or view sensitive card data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of physically handling and visually inspecting cards with an automated information display system on the package and electronic verification processes. This substitution maintains security by keeping the actual card concealed while enabling easy operation through visual package identification and streamlined activation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7407093B2System, method, and computer program product for packaging and activating stored value cards

Publication Date: 2008.08.05 LIBERTY PEAK VENTURES LLC

AI summary

A system, method, and computer program product are used for packaging a stored value card that unviewably secures the secured value card in the package. The package includes a readable area allowing for purchasing of the stored value card without removing it from the package or viewing it within the package. This can allow for minimized fraud and illegal use of stored value cards. In one example, the package is scanned for purchasing, and once the purchase in approved, the purchaser can activate the card.