One-Time Encrypted QR Codes for Secure Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Near field communication may not be available or appropriate in certain situations for data transfer between devices, necessitating an alternative method for secure and efficient data transfer.

Innovation Solution

Utilization of quick response (QR) codes for data transfer, employing one-time use, individually encrypted QR codes that are displayed on a device after user authentication, with security measures to prevent unauthorized access and ensure single-use validity, including timestamp verification and artistic representations to thwart copying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If near field communication is used for data transfer, then data transfer security is improved, but availability deteriorates when NFC is not available or appropriate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer securityVSAvoidavailability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces QR codes as an intermediary medium for data transfer when NFC is unavailable. The QR code system acts as a mediator between devices, enabling data transfer through visual scanning instead of direct wireless communication, thus maintaining functionality across different availability conditions while preserving security through encryption and timestamp verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If QR codes are made individually encrypted and one-time use, then data transfer security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer securityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the QR code system into individually encrypted, one-time-use units. Each QR code is independently generated and encrypted, allowing the system to maintain high security through fine-grained control while managing complexity by processing codes individually rather than managing a complex centralized encryption system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating and storing encrypted QR codes in a secure element before they are needed. This advance preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time encryption operations during data transfer, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security through pre-established encrypted identifiers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If QR codes include timestamp verification and anti-copying measures, then unauthorized use prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized use preventionVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The QR code system performs self-service verification through embedded timestamps and unique identifiers that automatically validate authenticity and prevent copying. The system checks its own validity through built-in cryptographic markers, eliminating the need for complex user verification procedures while maintaining strong unauthorized use prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12566835B2Quick response codes for data transfer

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, methods, and computer-readable medium to utilize quick response (QR) codes for performing a data transfer between accounts. Embodiments may provide protection from improper use of the QR codes.