Certified Electronic Credentials with URLN and Personal Access Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for generating and authenticating electronic credentials face challenges such as fraud, lack of recognition of transactional value, and inefficient verification processes, particularly in bridging the gap between the US and international acceptance of credentials, and ensuring secure and unique electronic credential distribution.
Innovation Solution
The development of Certified Electronic Credentials (CeDs) with unique Universal Record Locating Numbers (URLNs) and advanced security features, along with a validation system that utilizes a credential recipient's personal access key and a validation database to ensure authenticity and provide enhanced confidence in credential validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If paper credentials are used for international recognition, then acceptance in foreign countries is improved, but fraud risk increases and transactional value is not recognized in the US
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (electronic credential) that replicates the functionality and value of the paper credential while adding security features. The electronic credential contains all necessary information to prove authenticity without requiring the physical document, thereby reducing fraud risk while maintaining international acceptance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical paper credential system with an electronic digital system. This substitution eliminates the vulnerabilities of paper credentials (theft, loss, forgery) while maintaining the credential's purpose and recognition value through digital verification mechanisms.
2Reliability
If traditional paper credential verification methods are used, then authenticity can be confirmed, but the process is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds verification data directly into the electronic credential during issuance. The credential contains encrypted information and digital signatures that allow immediate verification without requiring contact with the issuing institution, thereby eliminating time delays and reducing verification costs while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital verification system that acts as an intermediary between the credential holder and the verifying party. This system uses cryptographic protocols to enable secure, rapid verification of credential authenticity without requiring direct communication with the issuing institution, thus reducing time and cost while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If electronic credentials are distributed widely, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but security and uniqueness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the security parameters of the credential by using cryptographic techniques. The electronic credential contains encrypted data and digital signatures that provide security equivalent to or greater than paper credentials. The security is maintained through mathematical principles rather than physical security features, allowing wide distribution without compromising uniqueness or security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite credential structure that combines multiple security elements (encryption, digital signatures, unique identifiers) within a single electronic file. This composite approach provides layered security that protects the credential even as it is distributed electronically, maintaining both convenience and security.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating and validating certified electronic credentials are disclosed. A publisher may receive a certified electronic credential order from a credentialer and prepare a plurality of certified electronic credentials. The publisher may associate each credential with authentication information and a credential record, and retain a database of associated authentication information and credential records. The publisher may provide validation services, receiving a validation request through a credentialer's validation portal, and provide a response through the credentialer's portal indicative of the validity, additional information about the credential and/or the credential holder. The credential holder may assign a personal access key to control or limit the validation of a credential. A validating entity may receive credential validation through the credentialer with a heightened degree of confidence in the validation and lack of forgery.