Colored 2D barcode management system

Abstract

This system provides a color-coded two-dimensional code management system that allows for the visual assessment of the QR code's content and comparison with illegal QR codes through the use of multiple colors, and further helps prevent recidivism by managing and storing terminal information data. [Solution] The colored two-dimensional code management system 10 provides a QR code with three colors (black and white) excluding the data bits, and a QR code with five colors (red, blue, and yellow) excluding the data bits, in order to facilitate visual inspection. This allows for visual inspection of the QR code to compare and determine its contents, and the colored two-dimensional code management system for managing customers helps to deter crime.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Barcodes and QR codes (the trademark registration name of Denso Wave) attached to products in supermarkets and the like were developed for the purpose of easily reading product information. Subsequently, with the emergence of smartphones, they have been utilized by many retailers, industries, and services, such as guiding users to a company's homepage and participation in campaigns, further expanding the possibilities of QR codes. Until now, a separate terminal was required to read QR codes, but now it has become possible to "read QR codes from the camera of a smartphone". By applying this "combination of smartphone and QR code" to a payment system, consumers can purchase products simply by reading the QR code and presenting the appropriate amount, and retailers can complete the payment simply by reading the presented amount.

Background Art

[0002] Other types of two-dimensional codes include barcodes and color codes. Color codes, which have 50 times the recognition capability of QR codes, are being explored for future product management, with a focus on "differentiation between color codes and QR codes." Color codes are mostly used by companies with ample financial resources, and personal use is still limited. The currently highlighted issue of "devil twins" is an attack method in which fake wireless access points (APs) are set up in public Wi-Fi hotspots, and the communication content of users who connect without realizing it is eavesdropped on. This is a phishing scam that lures users into a fake system to steal confidential information. It behaves just like a real system, such as relaying internet connections, but the communication is monitored and recorded by the attacker. Confidential information such as authentication information (accounts and passwords, etc.) for using external systems and services, and credit card numbers transmitted during online payments are eavesdropped on, making it impossible to defend against even if the wireless section is encrypted. To prevent becoming a victim, it is important to check the security level of public Wi-Fi hotspots when using them. WPA3 security is the latest encryption security standard established to prevent damage such as eavesdropping on communications when using Wi-Fi (wireless LAN), and it is implemented in company offices, public facilities, and cafes. However, with the spread of QR codes, and the fact that they have a 30% loss tolerance for reading, the proliferation of QR codes with various company logos will make it easier for Devil Twin to create fake QR codes, further expanding its scope of activity. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2938338 Two-dimensional code [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-056738: Coloring of QR Codes [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] QR codes were invented by a Japanese company called "Nippon Denso Co., Ltd." In 1994, their primary purpose was parts management in factories. Later, with the spread of cashless payments through the integration of QR codes and smartphones, their value became increasingly important. However, the first challenge is the difficulty of visually distinguishing QR codes, which are rampant in society. The second challenge is that with the proliferation of PCs and smartphones, QR codes can be easily and simply created by individuals. The third challenge is that QR codes can be used to lure others' money and valuables to the smartphones of malicious individuals, such as "devil twins." There are many websites that can create QR codes, and among them, the "Official QR Code Maker" allows users to create QR codes by simply accessing the page, entering the URL address in the "URL" field, selecting whether or not to include access analysis (recording click counts), and clicking the "Create QR Code" button, for example, if you want to attach a QR code to a poster, flyer, or product description to direct users to your company's homepage. Many QR code creation websites are free and the creation process is automated, which poses a problem in eliminating malicious "devil twins." Furthermore, as QR codes become more widespread, and taking advantage of the 30% loss tolerance in reading them, a flood of QR codes bearing the logos of various companies will emerge. This will allow Devil Twin to easily create counterfeit QR codes with company logos simply by copying them, further expanding their scope of activity. In short, it means that society will become more dangerous, as people will be more susceptible to becoming involved in various crimes, including those committed by the malicious Devil Twin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The QR code creation process involves selecting from four modes. QR codes can be created using four types of characters: numerical data (up to 7,089 characters, indicator 0001), alphanumeric data (up to 4,296 characters, indicator 0010), 8-bit byte data (up to 2,953 characters, indicator 0100), and Kanji data (up to 1,817 characters, indicator 1000). During this creation process, to make the QR code visually legible, the four types of characters used are individually colored, while the other data cells are colored black and the matrix's base white. This allows for visual identification of the content and comparison with illegal QR codes through the use of multiple colors. However, the developers are concerned that maliciously colored QR codes created using this invention could be used for criminal purposes. Therefore, for those requesting colored QR codes for security purposes, prior consent to provide terminal information data is required, and the data will be stored and contacted in case of a complaint. Those who request coloring will be informed, implicitly (though practically impossible) that the authorities will report the matter to public security and make it public if necessary. Even if reporting is impossible, the awareness that their QR code information and device information are being monitored will help deter crime and prevent recidivism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] By visually inspecting QR codes using multiple colors, it becomes possible to determine their content and compare them with illegal QR codes. Furthermore, managing and storing terminal information data helps prevent recidivism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram of the management system for colored two-dimensional codes. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the process from requesting coloring to coloring the QR code. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the system flow for handling customer complaints. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The process for creating QR codes involves selecting four modes and creating QR codes with different colors for each of the four types of characters: numeric data, alphanumeric data, 8-bit byte data, and Kanji data. A colored 2D code management system is then constructed to manage and store the terminal information of those who request colored 2D codes. [Examples]

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram of the management system for colored two-dimensional codes. The system is configured and deployed using a network, consisting of terminals for those requesting coloring (1), terminals for complainers (2), terminals for those being complained about (3), the Internet (4), the Internet (5), the Internet (6), the Internet (7), a coloring 2D code management system (10), a reception desk for those requesting coloring (11), a reception desk for customers requesting coloring (12), a reception desk for customers requesting coloring (13), a proxy server for managing the coloring 2D code system (14), a 2D code coloring server (15), a coloring customer management server (16), an integrated coloring customer information terminal information management server (17), a coloring customer data terminal data management server (18), and a coloring customer data terminal data storage server (19). [Examples]

[0010] Figure 2 shows the process from requesting coloring to coloring the QR code. A person who wishes to have their QR code colored provides information about the desired QR code coloring and terminal data (8) of their terminal to the coloring request reception desk (11) via the internet (4) using their terminal (1). The coloring request reception desk (11) inputs the coloring request information and terminal information data (8) of the person who wishes to have their QR code colored into the coloring QR code system management proxy server (14) using an input function. The coloring QR code system management proxy server (14) inputs the coloring request information and terminal information data (8) of the person who wishes to have their QR code colored into the QR code coloring server (15) using an input function. The QR code coloring server (15) colors the coloring request information of the person who wishes to have their QR code colored using a coloring function and inputs it together with the terminal information data (8) into the coloring customer management server (16) using an input function. The colored customer management server (16) stores and stores information of customers who have been recognized as colored customers based on the two-dimensional codes colored by the two-dimensional code coloring server (15) of the colored customer, using a storage mechanism that stores this information as a colored customer data file (21) of the colored customer information data (20). The colored customer management server (16) inputs the colored customer information data (20) and terminal information data (8) into the integrated colored customer information terminal information management server (17) using an input function. The integrated colored information terminal information management server (17) inputs the colored customer information data (20) and terminal information data (8) of the colored customers into the colored customer data terminal data management server (18) using an input function. The colored customer data terminal data management server (18) inputs the colored customer information data (20) and terminal information data (8) of the colored customers into the colored customer data terminal data storage server (19) using an input function. The color customer data terminal data storage server (19) stores and stores the color customer's color information data (20) and terminal information data (8) as a color customer data terminal data file (22) using a storage function. The integrated color information terminal information management server (17) inputs the color customer's color information data (20) and terminal information data (8) to the color two-dimensional code system management proxy server (14) using an input function.The colored two-dimensional code system management proxy server (14) inputs the colored customer information data (20) and terminal information data (8) of the colored customer to the colored customer service desk (12) using an input function. The colored customer service desk (12) transmits the colored customer information data (20) of the colored customer to the terminal (1) of the person requesting coloring via the internet (5) using the colored customer's terminal information data (8). [Examples]

[0011] Figure 3 shows the system flow for handling customer complaints. A person (complainer) who has suspicions about the content of the colored QR code provides data (9) of the suspicious complaint to the complaint reception desk (13) via the internet (6) using their own terminal (2). The complaint reception desk (13) inputs the complaint data (9) into the colored QR code system management proxy server (14) using an input function. The colored QR code system management proxy server (14) inputs the complaint data (9) into the integrated colored customer information terminal information management server (17) using an input function. The integrated colored customer information terminal information management server (17) inputs the complaint data (9) into the colored customer data terminal data management server (18) using an input function. The colored customer data terminal data management server (18) inputs the complaint data (9) into the colored customer data terminal data storage server (19) using an input function. The color customer data terminal data storage server (19) uses a comparison function to select the relevant file by comparing the color customer data terminal data file (22) with the claim data (9), and inputs the color customer information data (20) and terminal information data (8) to the color customer data terminal data management server (18) using an input function. The color customer data terminal data management server (18) inputs the terminal information data (8), the color customer data (20), and the claim data (9) to the integrated color information terminal information management server using an input function. The integrated color information terminal information management server (17) inputs the color customer color information data (20), terminal information data (8), and claim data (9) to the color two-dimensional code system management proxy server (14) using an input function. The colored two-dimensional code system management proxy server (14) inputs colored customer information data (20), complaint data (9), and terminal information data (8) of colored customers into the complaint handling reception desk (13) using an input function. The complaint handling reception desk (12) uses the terminal information data (8) as a reference to notify the complainant of the complaint information (23) via the internet (7) to the terminal (3) of the person who filed the complaint and to draw their attention to the matter. [Industrial applicability]

[0012] By simply printing or attaching a copy of the logo mark of a specific company to one's own QR code, it is possible to easily create a counterfeit QR code of a devil twin. To deter the increasing crimes committed by devil twin QR codes, by having a colored QR code entered with terminal information into a colored two-dimensional code management system for storage and management, it makes people aware that there is a monitoring mechanism and helps prevent repeat offenses.

Explanation of Signs

[0013] 1 Terminal of the person who hopes for coloring 2 Terminal of the claimant 3 Terminal of the person against whom a claim is made 4 Internet 5 Internet 6 Internet 7 Internet 8 Terminal information data of the person who hopes for coloring 9 Claim data 10 Colored two-dimensional code management system 11 Coloring applicant reception window 12 Coloring customer reception window 13 Claim reception window 14 Colored two-dimensional code system management proxy server 15 Two-dimensional code coloring server 16 Coloring customer management server 17 Integrated coloring customer information and terminal information management server [[ID=4l]]18 Coloring customer data and terminal data management server 19 Coloring customer data and terminal data storage server 20 Coloring customer information data 21 Coloring customer information data file 22 Coloring customer information and terminal information data file 23 Claim information

Claims

1. A colored two-dimensional code management system characterized by its ability to provide colored two-dimensional codes via the internet, and which includes a two-dimensional code coloring server, a colored customer management server, a colored two-dimensional code system management proxy server, and an internet reception desk. This system selects from four modes of QR code data (numerical data, alphanumeric data, 8-bit byte data, and Kanji data) and creates colored QR codes by coloring the characters in each of the four modes in different colors.

2. A colored QR code management system characterized by providing colored QR codes via the internet for customer management purposes, accepting customer terminal information submissions, selecting from four types of QR code data modes (numerical data, alphanumeric data, 8-bit byte data, and Kanji data), and creating colored QR codes by coloring the characters in each of the four modes in different colors; a colored customer management server; a colored customer data terminal data management server; a colored QR code system management proxy server; and an internet reception desk.

3. A colored QR code management system that provides colored QR codes via the internet for security and customer management purposes. It accepts customer terminal information, selects one of four modes for QR code data (numerical data, alphanumeric data, 8-bit byte data, and Kanji data), and creates colored QR codes by coloring the characters in each of the four modes in different colors. The system also includes a colored customer management server, a colored customer data terminal data management server, a colored QR code system management proxy server, and an internet reception desk. The system accepts complaints about managed customer information and alerts the customer's terminal to prevent recurrence.

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