QR Code Data Transfer Using Encrypted One-Time Validation

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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 authorized data transfer.

Innovation Solution

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

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If near field communication is used for data transfer, then data transfer between devices is enabled, but it may not be available or appropriate in certain situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of communication methodVSAvoiddata transfer reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces QR codes as an intermediary communication mechanism between devices. Instead of requiring direct near field communication, the system uses QR codes as a mediator that can be displayed on one device and scanned by another, enabling data transfer through a universal interface that works across different device types and communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer securityVSAvoidQR code management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the QR code into distinct functional components: a unique identifier, encrypted data payload, timestamp, and expiration information. Each segment serves a specific security function, allowing the system to achieve strong encryption and one-time use requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through structured design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating and storing encrypted QR codes in a secure database before they are needed. The QR codes are pre-encrypted with device-specific keys and include pre-calculated timestamps and expiration dates, eliminating the need for complex real-time encryption operations during data transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If QR codes include timestamp verification and artistic representations, then unauthorized use is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unauthorized useVSAvoidQR code generation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by embedding timestamp verification and expiration dates directly into the QR code structure before it is displayed. The QR code includes a predetermined time window that automatically validates authenticity, preventing unauthorized use without requiring complex verification processes during the actual data transfer operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS12380196B2Quick response codes for data transfer

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 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.