2D Barcode Security via Hidden Secret String in Redundant Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2D barcodes, especially those with unique identifiers, lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized alteration or forgery, which compromises their uniqueness and authenticity.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to secure 2D barcodes by generating a unique secret character string and encoding it within a predefined redundant zone, making it invisible to standard decoding software while maintaining the readability of the initial message, and using a one-way function for authentication without relying on remote databases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unique identifier is embedded in a 2D barcode to identify a specific product, then the barcode's uniqueness and authenticity are improved, but the barcode becomes vulnerable to unauthorized alteration and forgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a secret character string within the redundant zone of the 2D barcode, creating a nested structure where the secret data is concealed inside the existing barcode framework. This allows the barcode to maintain its original functionality while hiding additional security information that can verify authenticity and detect tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the barcode by inserting a secret character string into the redundant zone, changing the data parameters of the barcode. This modification enables the barcode to carry both the original message and hidden security verification data, making it resistant to unauthorized alteration while maintaining compatibility with standard decoding software.
2Reliability
If redundancy is added to a 2D barcode to improve error correction and readability, then the barcode's robustness is improved, but the available space for secure hidden data is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing redundant zone of the 2D barcode to store the secret character string, making the redundancy serve a dual purpose: both error correction and security data storage. This self-service approach allows the barcode to leverage its own structural features without requiring additional space or compromising error correction capabilities.
3Reliability
If a secret character string is inserted into the redundant zone of a 2D barcode, then the security and anti-forgery capability are improved, but the complexity of generating and verifying the barcode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secret character string as an intermediary element that bridges the original message and the security verification process. This intermediary contains verification data that enables authentication without requiring complex database lookups, simplifying the verification process while maintaining high security standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary encoding of the secret character string into the redundant zone during barcode generation. This preliminary action embeds all necessary verification data in advance, eliminating the need for complex real-time computations or database access during verification, thus reducing operational complexity.
4Ease of operation
If standard decoding software is used to read a 2D barcode, then the readability and compatibility are improved, but the ability to detect tampering or forgery is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security verification function from the main message area and places it in the redundant zone. This separation allows standard decoding software to successfully read the original message while specialized verification processes can extract and validate the hidden secret character string for tampering detection, maintaining both readability and security.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of securing a redundant initial 2D barcode comprising the steps of: - Providing an initial message comprising a unique identifier (ID), and - Encoding said initial message as a set of predefined symbols so as to generate said redundant initial 2D barcode, said redundant initial 2D barcode comprising at least one redundant zone. It is essentially characterized in that it further comprises: - generating a unique secret character string having a predefined fixed size, - encoding the unique secret character string as a set of predefined symbols identical to the symbols used to generate the initial 2D barcode, and inserting said encoded unique secret character string in at least one redundant zone of the initial 2D barcode, each symbol of said encoded unique secret character string having a predefined position, so as to create a final 2D barcode.