Multi-Standard Credential Verification for Tamper-Resistant Records

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic record documents face challenges in reliable authentication and interoperability due to varying credential standards, leading to issues with tampering and outdated paper/plastic documents, especially when different issuing authorities use different digitally verifiable credential standards.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and system for verifying cryptographically signed electronic records that incorporate multiple credentials, using a processor to generate and verify cryptographic proof requests and responses, enabling interoperability between different credential standards without breaking compliance with industry-agreed standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic record documents are transitioned from paper/plastic form to electronic form, then ease of access and reliability of authentication are improved, but vulnerability to tampering and falsification increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of accessVSAvoidvulnerability to tampering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual verification of paper/plastic documents with cryptographic verification systems. Electronic records are signed using digital signatures and verified through cryptographic proof mechanisms, substituting the mechanical/manual verification process with automated cryptographic validation that prevents tampering while enabling easy electronic access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the verification mechanism by changing the fundamental parameter from visual inspection to cryptographic validation. By implementing proof requests and proof responses with cryptographic signatures, the system maintains security against tampering while enabling efficient electronic verification, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of access and vulnerability to tampering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If different issuing authorities use different digitally verifiable credential standards, then adaptability to various authority requirements is improved, but interoperability between systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to authority requirementsVSAvoidinteroperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal verification framework that can handle multiple credential standards simultaneously. The verification apparatus is designed to process proof requests and validate cryptographic signatures across different credential types (e.g., driving licences, pilot licences, boatmasters' licences) issued by various authorities, enabling interoperability while maintaining adaptability to each authority's specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a standardized cryptographic verification layer as an intermediary between different credential standards and the verification process. This intermediary layer uses universal cryptographic proof mechanisms that can validate credentials from different authorities regardless of their specific standards, thus enabling interoperability while preserving adaptability to various authority requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If paper or plastic documents are used for record documents, then authenticity and security are improved, but ease of access and update efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveauthenticityVSAvoidease of access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical paper/plastic documents with electronic equivalents that use cryptographic signatures for authentication. The verification apparatus validates electronic records through cryptographic proof requests and responses, providing the same authenticity assurance as manual verification of physical documents while enabling digital access and efficient updates without reissuance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies of traditional paper/plastic documents that maintain their authenticity through cryptographic signatures. These electronic copies can be easily accessed, shared, and updated without the limitations of physical documents, thus improving ease of access while maintaining reliability through cryptographic verification mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4685677A1An apparatus and process for verifying electronic records
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SITA SWITZERLAND SARL
  • EP4685677A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4685677A1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4685677A1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

An apparatus is provided for verifying cryptographically signed user electronic records including credentials according to multiple credential standards. A cryptographic proof request is generated to include proof requests for the respective credential standards and sent to an electronic device. The response is a cryptographic proof response that can be decoded in accordance with a first credential standard to obtain data for the first credential, an associated proof, and a proof response for a second credential standard. The second credential standard may then be decoded in accordance with a second credential standard to obtain data for second credential and an associated proof. The respective data sets can then be verified using their respective proofs and verification results determined.