Dynamic Bar Code Security via Light Source Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The security of electronic payments using bar codes is compromised due to the difficulty in differentiating captured bar codes from original ones, leading to increased risks of illegal payments and personal information theft, as existing bar code scanners cannot distinguish between them.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that change a one-time bar code into a state unrecognized by bar code scanners, using a light source recognition module to recover the original bar code only when the scanner exposes its light source, preventing unauthorized payments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a bar code is provided in a recognizable state for electronic payment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security is worsened due to the risk of capture and illegal payment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of payment operationVSAvoidpayment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bar code dynamically changes its state from unrecognized to recognizable based on light source detection. The terminal detects the bar code scanner's light source and switches the bar code from a first state (unrecognized by scanners) to a second state (recognizable by scanners), allowing secure yet functional payment operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bar code's recognizability parameter is changed based on detection conditions. When the light source is detected, the bar code transitions from a state where it cannot be recognized by bar code scanners to a state where it can be recognized, controlling the level of security and functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a one-time bar code with short valid time is used, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to the need for rapid scanning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment securityVSAvoidease of payment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal performs preliminary detection of the bar code scanner's light source before the bar code becomes valid for scanning. By detecting the light source in advance and switching the bar code to the recognizable state at the appropriate moment, the system eliminates the need for rapid scanning while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a bar code is changed to a state unrecognized by bar code scanners, then the security is improved, but the productivity is worsened due to the additional conversion process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment securityVSAvoidpayment processing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual bar code generation and switching operations with automated light source detection and conditional state switching. The terminal automatically detects the scanner's light source and switches the bar code state accordingly, eliminating manual intervention and maintaining high processing speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively prevents the use of captured bar codes for payments by ensuring the original bar code can only be read by the scanner when it is exposed to the light source, thereby enhancing payment security.

Implementation Method 1

recognizing a light source of the bar code scanner by a light source recognition module installed in a terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20170161598A1Bar code copy prevention method and device therefor

Publication Date: 2017.06.08 SK PLANET CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bar code copy prevention method and a device therefor. In detail, when a terminal provides a one-time bar code for an electronic payment, the one-time bar code is provided to a user in a state which a bar code scanner cannot recognize by changing the one-time bar code for the electronic payment, and when the bar code scanner exposes a light source in order to recognize the one-time bar code for the electronic payment, a light source recognition module installed in the terminal recognizes the light source of the bar code scanner, a payment may be performed by recovering an original bar code which the bar code scanner can recognize from the changed bar code, and thus an illegal use of the bar code may be prevented since the payment is not performed using the captured bar code.