Disposable Token Exchange for Secure Face-to-Face Profile Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current social and business networking methods are dominated by online interactions, which often lead to a disconnect between cyber and real-world contacts, resulting in inefficiencies and a lack of genuine face-to-face connections, as well as inadequate means to assess and reassess compatibility in dynamic settings.

Innovation Solution

A wireless device and per-transaction token system that enables face-to-face communication, allowing users to exchange disposable tokens for secure access to each other's profiles, facilitating real-world interactions and enabling the sharing of private data only after initial contact, with features like authentication and profile management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If online dating and social networking services are used to facilitate contact between users, then users can search and identify compatible contacts through central databases, but the cyber world contact precedes real world contact leading to a disconnect between online profiles and real-world persons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of contact initiationVSAvoidauthenticity of contact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional online-first approach by enabling real-world contact to precede cyber-world contact. Users exchange tokens during face-to-face interactions, and only after physical meeting can they access each other's profiles online. This reversal ensures that online profiles represent actual met contacts rather than fictional cyber personas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces tokens as an intermediary object that bridges real-world and cyber-world interactions. These physical or digital tokens serve as tangible proof of face-to-face contact and act as keys to access online profiles, thereby connecting the physical meeting with the digital profile access in a controlled manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If users spend time broadcasting and sifting through online social protocols to find compatible contacts, then they can identify potential contacts, but they lose valuable time that could be spent making face-to-face contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact identification efficiencyVSAvoidtime for face-to-face contact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to perform preliminary face-to-face contact and token exchange before engaging in online profile browsing. By meeting in person first and exchanging tokens, users have already identified compatible contacts through direct interaction, eliminating the need for extensive online searching and allowing immediate transition to productive online communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of online browsing and filtering with a more efficient system where physical token exchange automatically establishes contact. The token itself encodes contact information and compatibility, substituting the manual process of sifting through profiles with an automated token-based recognition system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If business cards are used to exchange contact information, then physical contact can be maintained, but the cards carry very little information and remain bland and faceless

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact information volumeVSAvoidinformation carrier complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested information structure where tokens contain multiple layers of information. The token itself holds basic contact data, while simultaneously serving as a key to access more detailed profiles online. This nested approach allows compact physical carriers to provide both immediate information and access to extensive additional data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional business cards to multi-dimensional information access. Tokens serve as physical anchors that open access to three-dimensional profile data including photos, detailed contact information, and dynamic content. This dimensional expansion transforms the limited card surface into a portal for comprehensive information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If users exchange tokens for secure access to profiles, then private data can be protected, but the system complexity increases with authentication requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service authentication where the token itself contains all necessary credentials. Users simply present their token to access another user's profile, and the system automatically verifies authentication without requiring manual password entry or complex security procedures. The token handles all authentication logic internally, simplifying the user experience while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable or single-use tokens that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex password management and account recovery systems. Each token is designed for one-time or limited use, providing strong authentication without the security vulnerabilities of reusable passwords. This approach simplifies the authentication system by removing the need for long-term credential management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11501004B2Exchanging user information with other physically proximate users
Publication Date: 2022.11.15 COFFING DANIEL L
  • US11501004B2 patent drawing
  • US11501004B2 patent drawing
  • US11501004B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless face-to-face bilateral communication method between at least two users of a service provider, each having a token device, and at least one having a user-defined profile, comprising: between a sending token device and a receiving token device, transmitting unique electronic transaction tokens between a consenting sending party and a consenting or optionally consenting receiving party wherein said transaction tokens may be used for single use, party-approved after-contact, computer-network facilitated access to each other's profile.