Electronic File Authentication via Embedded Unique Identifiers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic file management systems face challenges in maintaining the integrity and authenticity of primary and metadata data, particularly in diagnostic contexts where multiple copies and different file formats can lead to separation and tampering risks, making it difficult to verify the accuracy and origin of electronic file elements.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method generates globally unique identifiers for each page of an electronic file based on its primary and metadata data, embedding these identifiers within the file to ensure self-authentication and self-description, allowing for verification of the file's integrity and authenticity without external agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic files are stored in multiple formats with separate metadata files, then the files can be conveniently transmitted and reproduced, but the primary data and metadata become separated, increasing the risk of interpretation without reference to metadata
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges primary data and metadata into a single integrated electronic file structure. The file envelope contains both the primary data pages and metadata tags, ensuring they remain associated during transmission and storage. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through integration while preserving ease of operation through standardized file formats that can be conveniently transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal file envelope structure that can accommodate multiple types of primary data and metadata in a single standardized format. This multi-functional container allows different data types to be transmitted together without separation, maintaining their association while enabling convenient handling through a single file unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent files are created for test results in a series, then each test result can be stored separately, but the files may be stored in different locations, increasing the risk of interpretation without reference to other primary data in the series
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested file structure where multiple test result pages are contained within a single file envelope. Each page represents an individual test result that can be independently processed, while the parent file envelope maintains the series association through a common unique identifier. This nested structure provides flexibility for individual access while ensuring reliability of series integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electronic file into multiple pages within a single file envelope, where each page can represent an individual test result. The segmentation allows independent handling of each test result while the parent file envelope maintains their association through shared metadata and unique identifiers, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple copies of files are generated for various reasons, then the files can be distributed and accessed from multiple locations, but it becomes challenging to track the source of each copy and verify accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating a unique identifier for the original file before any copying occurs. This identifier is embedded in the file envelope and serves as a permanent reference that can track the file through multiple copies. The preliminary tagging enables later verification of copy accuracy without affecting the convenience of distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the unique identifier system that allows verification of file copies. By comparing the embedded unique identifier in copied files against the original, users can receive feedback on whether a copy is accurate. This feedback mechanism maintains reliability while allowing convenient distribution of multiple copies.
4Ease of manufacture
If electronic files lack authentication mechanisms, then the files can be easily modified and reproduced, but the integrity and authenticity of the file contents cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by making the electronic file self-authenticating through embedded unique identifiers and metadata. The file contains its own authentication information within the file envelope, allowing it to verify its own integrity without requiring external authentication systems. This maintains ease of manufacture while providing reliability through self-verification capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects there is provided a system, method and a device for generating at least one electronic file. The method includes receiving primary data for at least one page to be included in an electronic file; receiving metadata associated with the primary data, the metadata comprising a plurality of tags and corresponding tag values associated therewith; generating a globally unique identifier associated with the page based upon the primary data and the metadata associated therewith; storing the globally unique identifier as a tag value for a unique identifier tag in the metadata associated with that page; generating the at least one page for the file, the at least one page comprising the page data and the metadata including the globally unique identifier; if the at least one page includes a plurality of pages, repeating above to generate a plurality of the pages for the electronic file; and storing the file comprising the at least one generated page in a data storage device.