Hybrid Security Document With Electronic Signature Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current paper-based and electronic security documents, such as social security cards, are prone to misuse, limited in updating insurance data, susceptible to wear and tear, and vulnerable to forgery, lacking the ability to efficiently display and update transaction data without issuing new documents.

Innovation Solution

A document with an integrated interface for receiving and verifying data signatures, a memory for storing valid data, and a display for outputting transaction data only after signature validation, utilizing near-field communication and bi-stable display technology to ensure secure and tamper-proof data storage and updating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If paper-based documents are used for storing insurance data, then the document can be easily produced and distributed, but the document is susceptible to wear and tear, forgery, and cannot be updated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of document productionVSAvoiddocument security and updateability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines paper-based document with electronic components (chip card, display element, memory) to create a hybrid security document. This merging allows the document to maintain the ease of production and distribution of paper while gaining the security, updateability, and durability of electronic storage systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The security document uses composite structure combining traditional paper or plastic material with electronic components including memory chips, display elements, and processing units. This composite approach enables both mechanical durability and electronic functionality for secure data storage and display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If a new document is issued for every data update, then the data accuracy is maintained, but the loss of time and resource increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidtime for document issuance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic data storage and display capabilities where the document can be updated electronically without physical replacement. The memory and display elements allow real-time or near-real-time updates of insurance data, transaction data, and employment information while maintaining data accuracy through cryptographic verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The security document serves multiple functions: it stores both long-term master data and short-term transaction data, displays information visually, enables electronic verification, and allows updates without replacement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate documents for different data types and update scenarios.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If master data only is stored on the document, then the document size remains manageable, but transaction data cannot be included

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoiddocument structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data storage into different categories: master data (long-term, immutable information like personal details) and transaction data (short-term, changeable information like employment records). This segmentation is implemented through separate memory regions or data structures, allowing efficient storage and management of both data types without overwhelming the document's capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds temporal dimension to data storage by distinguishing between long-term master data and short-term transaction data. This temporal organization allows the document to handle both stable and changing information efficiently, with appropriate access patterns and verification procedures for each data type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If stickers are used to update identity cards, then the document can be updated without replacement, but the security is compromised due to easy counterfeiting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument update convenienceVSAvoiddocument security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical update methods (stickers, manual writing) with electronic data transmission and storage. Data is updated through wireless communication interfaces that transmit encrypted data packets to the document's memory, eliminating the security vulnerabilities of physical modifications while maintaining update convenience.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces cryptographic protocols and authentication mechanisms as intermediaries between the data source and the document. These intermediaries verify the authenticity and integrity of updates before storing them, preventing counterfeiting while allowing convenient electronic updates through authorized channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2274731B1Document with a memory and a receiver device
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP2274731B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2274731B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2274731B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a document with an interface (102) for receiving data (118) and a signature (120) for the data, with means (110) for verifying the signature, with a memory, with means (108, 114) for storing the data and the signature in the memory, said storage being effected only if the signature is valid, and said interface being designed to send the data stored in the memory and the signature, with a display (104) and with means (108, 114) for actuating the display to output at least one portion of the data, said output being effected only if the signature is valid, with means for injecting energy for supplying power to the means (110) for verifying the signature, to the means (108, 114) for storing the data and the signature and/or to the means for actuating the display, said memory being nonvolatile and the display being bistable.