Barcode Data Stream Corruption via Voltage Imposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively prevent misuse of digital codes such as barcodes and QR codes, leading to revenue loss and confusion, as they lack the ability to validate and authenticate these codes properly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a monitoring and corrupting device placed between the barcode scanner and the Point of Sale (POS) register, which uses a database to detect and corrupt unwanted data streams by interrupting the communication line, preventing the POS from receiving invalid barcodes through methods like voltage imposition or relay interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monitoring and corrupting device is inserted between the barcode scanner and POS register to prevent misuse of digital codes, then the reliability of code validation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a monitoring and corrupting device as an intermediary component between the barcode scanner and POS register. This device monitors data streams from the scanner, validates codes against a database, and corrupts unwanted data before it reaches the POS system, thereby improving validation reliability without requiring complex changes to the existing scanner or register systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the code validation function into separate modular components: the barcode scanner remains unchanged, the monitoring and corrupting device handles validation logic and data corruption, and the POS register processes only validated codes. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while the overall system achieves high reliability.
2Loss of information
If the monitoring device corrupts unwanted data streams by interrupting communication lines, then the loss of information from invalid codes is prevented, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device performs preliminary validation of barcode codes before they reach the POS system. By checking the database in advance and corrupting invalid codes proactively, the system prevents unwanted information from being processed, eliminating the need for post-processing validation and reducing information loss from invalid codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual validation processes with automated electronic monitoring and corruption mechanisms. The monitoring device automatically intercepts, validates, and corrupts data streams using electronic circuits and database queries, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity for legitimate transactions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents the misuse of digital codes by ensuring only valid barcodes are processed, thereby reducing revenue loss and confusion by ensuring that invalid or unwanted codes are not received by the POS system.
Implementation Method 1
The monitoring and corrupting device is configured to corrupt the stream of data corresponding to the scanned barcode by generating and imposing a voltage on the stream of data corresponding to the scanned barcode so that the barcode data stream cannot be correctly received by the data stream receiver device
Implementation Method 2
The monitoring and corrupting device is configured to corrupt the stream of data corresponding to the scanned barcode by interrupting the data stream through use of an electrically controlled mechanical relay so that the barcode data stream cannot be correctly received by the data stream receiver device
Implementation Method 3
The monitoring and corrupting device is configured to corrupt the stream of data corresponding to the scanned barcode by interrupting the data stream through use of an electrically controlled optoisolator so that the barcode data stream cannot be correctly received by the data stream receiver device
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program for monitoring and corrupting a data stream, includes a data stream transmitting device having a barcode scanner that transmits a stream of data corresponding to a scanned barcode; a data stream receiver device having a barcode processing system that receives the stream; and a monitoring and corrupting device coupled therebetween having a database storing rules for detecting and corrupting patterns of data in the stream, and which monitors the stream, and based on the rules determines if the stream is unwanted, and if so corrupts the stream and transmits the corrupted stream to the barcode processing system so that the barcode data stream cannot be correctly received by the data stream receiver device. Otherwise, if the stream of data is wanted, the stream of data is allowed to be correctly received by the data stream receiver device.