Electronic Cash Token Payment via VoIP Call Instance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems like Skype, there is a need for secure and efficient payment mechanisms that allow service providers to be compensated for their services without directly demanding cash from users, while ensuring authentication and security.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses electronic cash tokens transmitted via a call instance, verified by a backend server, which debits the caller's account and credits the service provider's account, with cryptographic signatures for authentication and security, allowing micro-payments for services provided over VoIP channels or other communication channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service providers directly demand cash from callers, then payment can be received, but security and authentication problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary payment system where electronic cash tokens are transmitted through the communication channel itself. The tokens are verified by the service provider terminal without requiring direct cash handling or complex authentication protocols between caller and service provider, thus improving security while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct cash exchange with an electronic token-based payment mechanism. Electronic cash tokens are transmitted as data packets through the existing communication protocol, eliminating the need for physical cash handling and reducing authentication complexity while maintaining security
2Reliability
If electronic cash tokens are used for payment, then security is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication channel serve multiple functions: it carries both voice/data traffic and payment tokens simultaneously. The existing communication infrastructure is enhanced to handle token verification without requiring separate dedicated payment channels or complex additional authentication systems, thus improving security while minimizing added complexity
3Productivity
If micro-payments are implemented via call instances, then payment efficiency is improved, but authentication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication where the caller's account is verified and electronic cash tokens are issued before the service transaction begins. The service provider terminal verifies these tokens during the call instance, enabling efficient micro-payments without requiring complex real-time authentication mechanisms during the actual service delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing services in a communication system. The method comprises: establishing a call instance from a caller terminal to a service provider terminal in the communication system; transmitting from the service provider terminal a service proposal in the form of an electronic document via the established call instance to the caller terminal; selectively accepting or rejecting the service proposal at the caller terminal; and in the case of acceptance of the service proposal, transmitting a request for money to a backend server in the communication system from the caller terminal; transmitting electronic cash tokens from the backend server to the caller terminal in response to the request to receive money; forwarding the electronic cash tokens from the caller terminal to the service provider terminal, whereafter the service provider provides services in accordance with the service proposal.