WO2016145460A1

WO2016145460A1 - Method and system for conducting a digital transaction

Info

Publication number: WO2016145460A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2016/050009
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hayden Paul Schwarz; Neil LOWE; Nicholas Rees
Original assignee: Arbalest Solutions (Pty) Limited
Priority date: 2015-03-12
Filing date: 2016-03-08
Publication date: 2016-09-15
Also published as: ZA201605630B

Abstract

This invention relates to a method (10) for conducting a digital transaction involving a software product, the method (10) comprising the steps of: presenting a voucher (30) displaying two unique identifiers (50, 60), wherein the first unique identifier (50) is mapped onto a master URL (70); using both the first unique identifier (50) and the second unique identifier (60) to activate the master URL (70); capturing details relating to the customer (40); conducting a verification check (240); and injecting a license key (210), to release the desired software product to the customer (230); characterised in that the license key (210) is hidden from the customer (40) throughout the process of conducting the digital transaction. This invention also relates to a complimentary system (20) for conducting such a digital transaction.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTING A DIGITAL TRANSACTION Field Of The Invention

THIS INVENTION relates, broadly, to a method and system for conducting a digital transaction - specifically, to a transaction involving a license key. It also extends, broadly, to a method and system for digital transaction management.

Background To The Invention

In this specification, the following acronyms are used:

· "PIN" designates Personal Identification Number, which may incorporate any combination of alphanumeric characters, as desired;

"QR Code" designates Quick Response barcode;

"URL" designates Universal Resource Locator (or internet shortcut); and "shortened URL" refers to the well-known HTTP redirect process technology that is utilised to convert a (relatively) lengthy URL into a (relatively) short URL, which links onto the former.

Each of these terms is well understood in the art. In addition, in this specification, references to licensed software products are understood, equally, to embrace all manner of licensed software services, too, without exclusion. The term "products" is used purely for convenience in this context.

Increasingly often, software applications are commercialised via some form of license. The prior art is replete with multiple variations of these. For example, and quite commonly, software installation packages are made available over-the- counter, with a corresponding license key provided as part of the package, and the license is then activated on the customer accepting either a "shrink-wrap" or a "click- wrap" agreement. An electronic equivalent is also well-known, in which a license may be acquired on an online environment, in which a digital key is injected (that is: entered electronically) as part of the transaction. In a further alternative, single sign- on systems are also known, in which an identification token or a voucher for particular products is acquired, and then authorised by the customer on an online platform - well known examples of which include vouchers for virtual online stores, including the Apple® iTunes® store, the Microsoft® Xbox Live® store, etc).

In what might be described as the next stage of evolution of software licensing, certain prior art solutions incorporate a combination of the physical and virtual attributes through virtual identifiers - for example: (one-dimensional) barcodes, QR codes, ShotCodes and Aztec Codes. In each of these cases, the respective form of code adopted would incorporate data directing a user to a URL, where further information would be imputed in order to conduct a transaction.

Further, in the most recent stage of evolution of license commercialisation, certain prior art solutions disclose the use of visual identifiers (such as logos) or audial identifiers (such as song snippets), to achieve the same results as the barcodes described immediately above. A fairly well-known example of a solution incorporating audial identifiers is marketed under the trade name Shazam®. As useful as these prior art solutions are, they suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example: by and large, they are useful to effect a transaction (such as a once-off software license activation), but they are inappropriate & unsuitable for managing other transactions. In addition, many known solutions are also incapable of being applied successfully in cases involving more than two parties (for example: a software proprietor, an end-user consumer, and an intermediate distributor / agent) - typically, the position of, and data relevant to, the intermediary is largely ignored by the known solutions. A further shortcoming of the prior art solution - specifically, of digital goods vendors - is that they are offered strictly on an "as-is" basis, giving the end user little or no room for personalisation and/or the option to acquire additional solutions or products as part of the same transaction. Yet a further shortcoming - notably, but not exclusively, in the context of "shrink wrap" licenses and paper-based vouchers, the license keys provided are often lengthy, and cumbersome for users to copy-over in an authorisation process. The relatively poor levels of protecting the confidentiality of the license keys in these embodiments will also be readily apparent.

Finally, as the incidence of fraud in online transactions continues to increase, there is also a corresponding, growing need for the development of more sophisticated methods of conducting such transactions, in which the confidentiality and integrity of license keys is preserved.

Object Of The Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a system that will overcome, at least partially, the disadvantages described above.

Summary Of The Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for conducting a digital transaction involving a software product, the method comprising the steps of:

• presenting a voucher displaying two unique identifiers, wherein the first unique identifier is mapped onto a master URL;

· using both the first unique identifier and the second unique identifier to activate the master URL;

• capturing details relating to the customer;

• conducting a verification check to verify the transaction;

• injecting a license key - which key remains hidden from the customer - to release the desired software product to the customer, completing the transaction.

Preferably, the first unique identifier is a shortened URL and the second unique identifier is a PIN. Alternatively, the second unique identifier may be a visual identifier, further alternatively an audial identifier.

The first unique identifier may be presented on the voucher as written text, alternatively it may be encoded in a QR code appearing on the voucher. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first unique identifier may be an audio key, alternatively a visual key. In that alternative embodiment, the audio key, alternatively the visual key, is mapped onto the master URL. The step of using both the first unique identifier and the second unique identifier to activate the master URL may be achieved by typing the shortened URL and PIN manually into designated fields on a web site, alternatively this may be achieved by using tag reading software to extract that data. The method may further include the step of offering to the customer a selection of software products as part of the digital transaction.

The step of conducting a verification check may involve the generation of a URL link, which is included in an email that is sent to the customer, the customer then being required to activate that link in order to verify the transaction.

The step of conducting a verification check may further involve generating a request to the customer to verify certain personal information, alternatively to exchange at least some entitlement information that is personal to the customer.

The method may further include the additional step, after conducting a verification check successfully, of inviting the customer to activate digital rights delivery from a dedicated download web page. The method may further include the step of generating a confirmatory message to confirm successful completion of the transaction. Preferably, the confirmation message is in the form of an email. The method may further include the step of directing the customer to make payment for the transaction via a payment portal.

The digital transaction may be selected from the group consisting of: a software license activation, a software license renewal, a software upgrade, and a combination of any of these elements.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for conducting a digital transaction, the system comprising:

· a voucher displaying two unique identifiers;

• a master URL, which is mapped-onto from the first unique identifier, and through which master URL details will be captured of the first unique identifier and the second unique identifier, and at least some exchange entitlement detail personal to a customer;

· a server, on which a database of customer details is hosted, and through which server a verification check is conducted to verify the transaction; and

• a license key - which key is hidden from the customer - to release the desired software product to the customer, completing the transaction. Preferably, the first unique identifier is a shortened URL and the second unique identifier is a PIN.

Alternatively, the second unique identifier may be a visual identifier, alternatively an audial identifier.

The first unique identifier may be presented on the voucher as written text, alternatively it may be encoded in a QR code appearing on the voucher. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first unique identifier may be an audio key.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

In order to describe the invention, embodiments thereof are described hereunder, purely as examples, without limiting the scope of the invention, wherein:

Figure 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred method for conducting a transaction, according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a preferred system for conducting a transaction, according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a voucher that is used in a preferred system and method in accordance with the invention. Detailed Description Of The Drawings

Referring to the figures, which depict a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for conducting a digital transaction involving a software product (not depicted), is disclosed and is referred to generally by numeral 10, in Figure 1 . The corresponding system for conducting a digital transaction involving a software product is also disclosed and is referred to generally by numeral 20, in Figure 2. It is instructive to review Figures 1 and 2 together. It will also be noted that the flow chart in Figure 1 has been depicted over five discreet partitions A, B, C, D and E. The location of each step into particular partitions is deliberate: a step appearing in Partition A or Partition B indicates that it is an action taken by the customer 40; a step appearing in Partition C or Partition B indicates that it is an action taken in the background that is: on a server 150, remote from the customer 40. Finally, a step appearing in Partition E indicates that it is an action taken by the proprietor of a software product.

The method 10 commences, in the step designated 80, when a customer 40 is presented with a voucher 30 for a software product, or products, that the customer 40 would like to acquire. The voucher 30 depicted in Figure 3 is the preferred embodiment of the invention, although others are also conceived, and described below. On the voucher 30, a shortened URL 50 appears printed - this is the first, unique identifier. Also appearing printed on the voucher 30 is a PIN 60 - this is the second unique identifier. The shortened URL 50 is mapped onto master URL 70, using conventional HTTP redirect process technology 100. The customer 40 accesses the master URL 70 in step 90 via the shortened URL 50 - typically, this will be done by the customer 40 typing in detail of the shortened URL 50 into a web browser (not shown). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a visual identifier, such as a QR code 1 10, is presented on the voucher 30 instead of or in addition to the printed shortened URL, which the customer will access using a conventional QR code reader (not depicted). It will be understood that detail of the shortened URL 50 will be encoded in the QR code 1 10.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not depicted here), an audio key is used as an alternative to a shortened URL 50 (ie: the first unique identifier). In that embodiment, the voucher 30 would include instructions on what sound to "tag" with appropriate audio recognition software, for example: Shazam®. In a further alternative embodiment of the invention (also not depicted) a logo image is presented on the voucher 30 - the logo serving as the first unique identifier. The sound or image - as the case may be - is then mapped to a short URL where it would be decoded by the very same URL decoder and mapping tables at the server 150 that are utilised in the preferred embodiment described above.

On accessing the master URL 70, in step 130, the customer 40 is then prompted 120 to enter the paired PIN 60 that also appears on the voucher 30. On doing so 120, the PIN 60 is verified (step 140) against the corresponding shortened URL 50 that was used by the customer 40 - that verification process is conducted on a server 150 where detail of the uniquely identifying shortened URL 50 and PIN 60 are stored in and interrogated against database 160.

In the next step 240 in the method 10, the customer 40 is prompted to enter certain detail personal to the customer - this detail includes information such as the customer's name, preferred email address, communication preferences, and the like. It will be appreciated that this detail is typical in the relationship between a software licensor (not depicted) and licensee (not depicted), in order to give effect to the relationship between the parties. This is conducted over internet environment 250, although it will be appreciated that a closed intranet environment would work equally well instead in other embodiments of the invention.

Although not depicted here, in an embodiment of the invention 10 at this stage 240, the customer is prompted to select, optionally, to acquire any one or more software products or options as part of the digital transaction. Specifically, and for example, the customer 40 is prompted, in the case of the desired download of a computer anti-virus package, to select whether he intended acquiring a one-year license, alternatively whether he wishes to pay upfront for multiple, specified years. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the customer 40 is offered other, related software products as part of this transaction - for example: a software management tool, or family management software. In another embodiment of the invention (also not depicted) the customer 40 will utilise this method 10 to enter a transaction for the upgrading of a software product for which an earlier version is already deployed on his computer. So, for example, this method 10 is equally applicable for transactions involving acquiring a computer anti-virus package as it is for upgrading an existing computer anti-virus package version 2.0 to version 3.0.

All of that information is also stored in database 160 that is hosted on the server 150. Once stored, the information is subjected to a verification check 170. Once verified, a unique URL link (not depicted) is generated 180 at the server 150, and this unique URL link is included in an email 190 that is sent to the customer 40. The customer 40 is prompted in that email 190 to activate that unique URL link, by clicking on it 200. This step 200 is conducted as a final verification check to ensure that a particular customer 40, who has confirmed the particular details in step 160, against an order for specific software products (not depicted) in that particular transaction. This verification check 200 is also conducted at the server 150.

In certain embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that the transaction will be paid for in step 80, at the point when the customer 40 acquires the voucher 30 initially. However, in other embodiments of the invention, notably in cases in which the customer 40 is presented with a choice of software products 240 as part of the transaction, the cost of the transaction may not be determinable at that early stage 80. In such cases (not depicted here) immediately following this step 240, the customer 40 will be prompted to make payment via a conventional online payment portal to other payment providers, such as mobile network payments, in-store card purchases, and the like. This will need to be completed successfully in order for the customer 40 to proceed to the next step in the method 10. Once the transaction is verified successfully in step 200, a unique license key 210 is injected. Once this is done, the customer's 40 browser is automatically redirected 220 to a dedicated download web page (not depicted) on which the digital rights to delivery of the software product will be activated, and the desired software application will be downloaded, onto the customer's 40 computer (not depicted) thus concluding the transaction. In the example depicted in Figure 1 , the download of a popular antivirus product, proprietary to Norton®, is shown, although it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that any software application may be downloaded using this method 10.

Although not depicted here, after concluding download 230, it is envisaged that a confirmatory message to confirm successful completion of the transaction will be sent in the form of an email to customer 40. It will be appreciated that a primary difference, and advantage, of the present invention over the prior art is the fact that, at all times, the license key 210 is stored securely and remote from the customer. In fact, at no stage does the customer 40 ever view the license key, thus overcoming the deficiencies and disadvantages associated with the prior art.

In addition, by using this invention, the mapped data enables through- the-line tracking of the distribution, acquisition and subsequent use of the software product by the customer 40, making the invention an efficient electronic products distribution and management tool. It enables identification of the customer 40, owing to the exchange of data in step 240. Also advantageously, the invention introduces convenient communication with the customer 40 by the software proprietor - for example: a timely reminder may be sent, via email, to the customer 40 to alert him to the imminent expiry of a product license, and inviting him to renew the subscription . For these reasons, the invention has application to licensors (ie: software proprietors), licensees (ie: customers 40) and independent intermediary agents / payment providers alike.

It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that numerous embodiments of the invention could be performed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the consistory statements above.

Claims

1 . A method (10) for conducting a digital transaction involving a software product, the method comprising the steps of:

• presenting a voucher (30) displaying two unique identifiers (50, 60), wherein the first unique identifier (50) is mapped onto a master URL (70);

• using both the first unique identifier (50) and the second unique identifier (60) to activate the master URL (70);

• capturing details relating to the customer (40);

• conducting a verification check (240) to verify the transaction; and

• injecting a license key (210), to release the desired software product to the customer (230), thus completing the transaction,

characterised in that the license key (210) is hidden from the customer (40) throughout the process of conducting the digital transaction.

The method according to claim 1 , characterised in that the first unique identifier (50) is a shortened URL and the second unique identifier (60) is selected from the group consisting of: a PIN, a visual identifier, and an audial identifier.

The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first unique identifier (50) presented on the voucher (30) as written text, alternatively: encoded in a C code (1 10) appearing on the voucher (30).

4. The method according to claim 1 , characterised in that the first unique identifier (50) is selected from the group consisting of: an audio key, and a visual key; and wherein the first unique identified is mapped onto the master URL (70).

The method according to any one of claims 1 - 3, characterised in that the step of using both the first unique identifier (50) and the second unique identifier (60) to activate the master URL (70) is achieved by typing the shortened URL (50) and PIN (60) manually into designated fields on a web site; alternatively this is achieved by using tag reading software to extract that data.

The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further includes the step of offering to the customer (40) a selection of software products as part of the digital transaction.

The method according to any one of claims 1 - 3, characterised in that the step of conducting a verification check (240) involves the generation of a URL link, which is included in an email that is sent (190) to the customer (40), the customer (40) then being required to activate that link (200) in order to verify the transaction.

The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of conducting a verification check (240) further involves generating a request to the customer (40) to verify certain personal information, alternatively to exchange at least some entitlement information (245) that is personal to the customer (40).

The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further includes the step, after conducting a verification check (240) successfully, of inviting the customer (40) to activate digital rights delivery from a dedicated download web page (220).

0. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further includes the step of generating a confirmatory message to confirm successful completion of the transaction.

The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further includes the step of directing the customer (40) to make payment for the transaction via a payment portal.

12. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the digital transaction is selected from the group consisting of: a software license activation, a software license renewal, a software upgrade, and a combination of any of these elements.

13. A system (20) for conducting a digital transaction, the system comprising: • a voucher (30) displaying two unique identifiers (50, 60);

· a master URL (70), which is mapped-onto from the first unique identifier

(50), and through which master URL (70) details will be captured of the first unique identifier (50) and the second unique identifier (60), and at least some exchange entitlement detail (245) personal to a customer (40); • a server (150), on which a database (160) of customer details is hosted, and through which server (150) a verification check is conducted (240) to verify the transaction; and

• a license key (210), to release the desired software product to the customer (40), thus completing the transaction,

The system according to claim 13, characterised in that the first unique identifier (50) is a shortened URL and the second unique identifier (60) is selected from the group consisting of: a PIN, a visual identifier, and an audial identifier.

The system according to claim 13, wherein the first unique identifier (50) is presented on the voucher (30) as written text, alternatively: encoded in a QR code (1 10) appearing on the voucher (30).

16. The system according to claim 13, wherein the first unique identifier (50) is an audio key.