Information Code Reading System with Server Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information code reading systems often lead to user distrust due to the display of unrelated URLs, making it difficult for firms to guide access to their websites effectively and comprehend usage status without revealing sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
A system where an information processing terminal captures and transmits information codes to a server for decoding, storing usage data, and transmitting relevant information back to the terminal, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure and usage status is comprehended without displaying URLs, using partially non-disclosed codes and digitized cell information for efficient data transmission and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the URL of the server is displayed to the user before access, then the system can track usage status by logging server accesses, but the user may feel distrust because a URL not related to the desired website is displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the information code and the final website. The server receives the information code, displays it to the user, and then redirects to the actual website. This intermediary structure allows usage tracking while maintaining user trust because the server URL is not directly exposed as a final destination but rather as a temporary gateway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the information code on the server before redirecting to the actual website. The server stores and displays a copy of the code, allowing usage logging without exposing the server's internal URL structure to users. This copying mechanism separates the tracking function from the user-facing interface.
2Loss of information
If the system redirects through a server to track usage, then usage status can be comprehended, but the processing load increases and access speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing the information code and its associated metadata on the server before user access. When a user scans the code, the server already has the information ready, minimizing processing time during actual access. The redirection and logging are prepared in advance, reducing the computational load during user interaction.
3Loss of information
If all information in the information code is made visible, then users can see the URL, but sensitive information may be exposed and user distrust increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively displaying different portions of the information code to different users or in different contexts. The server parses the information code and displays only the necessary portions (such as a shortened or masked version) while keeping sensitive information (full URLs, tracking parameters) hidden. This selective visibility maintains security while providing sufficient information for user awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the information code into multiple parts: a visible portion that is displayed to users and a hidden portion that contains sensitive information. The server processes these segments separately, displaying only the safe portion while using the hidden portion for tracking and redirection. This segmentation allows information to be both visible and secure simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information code reading system (10) includes an information code terminal (20) and a server (30) communicably connected to the terminal (20). In the terminal (20), an information code (C) with first and second information is imaged, and transmitted to the server (30) information indicating the information code (C). The server (30) decodes the information indicating the information code (C) received from the terminal (20), and memorize information showing that the information code (C) has become an object being read, when the second information is provided via the decoding process. From the server (30), either the first information or information related to the first information provided via the decoding process is transmitted to the terminal (2). Hence, in the terminal (20), a process is performed with the first information received from the server (30).