Interactive Matrix Barcodes for Dynamic Action Reprogramming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional matrix barcodes cannot be modified to include updated information after generation, limiting their versatility and efficiency in dynamic transaction scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows users to associate pre-generated matrix barcodes with specified actions, enabling dynamic reprogramming and re-use of the same barcode for various purposes by leveraging contextual information and token-based security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional matrix barcodes are used to store transaction information, then the information can be read accurately, but the barcode cannot be modified to include updated information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidinformation update capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the barcode structure into two independent parts: a static component (the matrix barcode pattern itself) and a dynamic component (the transaction data stored separately in a database). The static barcode contains only an identifier, while the dynamic data can be updated without changing the barcode pattern, thus maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A database acts as an intermediary between the static barcode and the dynamic transaction information. When a barcode is scanned, the system uses the identifier from the barcode to retrieve the current transaction data from the database, allowing the information to be updated without modifying the physical barcode itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a new matrix barcode is generated for each transaction update, then the information is current, but the system efficiency decreases due to barcode regeneration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction information currencyVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating and distributing the static barcode identifier before any transaction occurs. This static identifier remains unchanged and serves as a permanent key to access transaction data in the database, eliminating the need to regenerate barcodes for each transaction update.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of regenerating the entire barcode for each update, the system creates a static copy of the barcode identifier that remains constant. The dynamic transaction information is copied from the database when needed, separating the immutable identifier from the mutable data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If matrix barcodes are reused for multiple actions, then resource allocation improves, but security risks increase without access control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarcode reusabilityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The static barcode identifier is designed to be universal and can be associated with multiple different actions and accounts over time. A single barcode pattern can point to different transaction data in the database depending on the current configuration, enabling one barcode to serve multiple purposes without compromising security.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The database and authentication system act as intermediaries that verify user authorization before allowing a barcode to trigger specific actions. Even though the same barcode can be reused, the intermediary layer ensures that only authorized users can initiate transactions, thus maintaining security while enabling reusability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250278713A1Context-based actions using interactive elements
Publication Date: 2025.09.04 BLOCK INC
  • US20250278713A1 patent drawing
  • US20250278713A1 patent drawing
  • US20250278713A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In one aspect, a method includes configuring, a graphical user interface of an application executing on a first electronic device to provide instructions for scanning an interactive element; detecting, on the graphical user interface, that the interactive element is scanned; determining whether a token associated with the interactive element is claimed; updating the graphical user interface on the first electronic device for claiming the token associated with the interactive element; updating the graphical user interface on the first electronic device to receive one or more actions to be triggered when the interactive element is interacted with using a second electronic device; detecting one or more inputs on the graphical user interface indicative of the one or more actions; and updating, at the payment service system, a database to include the interactive element, the token claimed, and the one or more actions in association with the interactive element.