Two-Dimensional Barcode Mashups for Secure Data Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional barcodes, such as QR codes, have limitations in data storage capacity and security, particularly in transferring sensitive information without risking its disclosure.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a forward mashup algorithm combines two arrays of two-dimensional barcodes using Boolean operations to create a mashup barcode that requires a reverse mashup algorithm to decode, ensuring secure transfer of private information without storing it on any party's device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored directly in a two-dimensional barcode, then data storage capacity is achieved, but security is compromised because the data can be read by anyone who scans the barcode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides sensitive data into multiple segments and encodes each segment as a separate two-dimensional barcode. The complete information is only reconstructed when all segments are collected and combined, preventing data disclosure if any single barcode is scanned independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple layers of encoding are applied. The data is first segmented, then each segment is encoded into a barcode, and finally all barcodes are combined through a reconstruction process to reveal the original information, creating a nested protection mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a single two-dimensional barcode contains all data, then ease of operation is improved, but data storage capacity is limited by the barcode's maximum encoding capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from storing all data in a single two-dimensional plane to distributing data across multiple barcodes arranged in a sequential array. The third dimension of time (sequential scanning) is introduced, allowing unlimited data storage capacity while maintaining ease of operation through automated sequential processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the barcode array can be scanned in sequence and the data reconstructed programmatically. This dynamic approach allows the system to handle arbitrary amounts of data by simply adding more barcodes to the sequence, rather than being constrained by fixed capacity limits.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple barcodes are used to increase storage capacity, then data storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for sequential scanning and data reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal barcode array system that can encode any amount of data using the same basic mechanism. The system uses standard two-dimensional barcode encoding for each segment, with a standardized reconstruction algorithm that works regardless of the number of segments, making the system universally applicable and not requiring specialized hardware for each data size.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computer program product provide operations including obtaining first data encoded to form a first array of two-dimensional barcodes, obtaining second data encoded to form a second array of two-dimensional barcodes, and performing a forward mashup algorithm on the first array and second array to form a third array of two-dimensional barcodes, wherein, for each combination of column, row and ordinal position, a binary value in the first array and a binary value in the second array are input to a first Boolean algorithm to produce a binary value for the same combination of column, row and ordinal position in the third array. The operations further include publishing the third array of two-dimensional barcodes, wherein the second array of two-dimensional barcodes are necessary to regenerate the first array of two-dimensional barcodes so that the first data can be decoded.