Identity Protection System Using QR Code Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for secure and efficient systems to transfer user information to merchants while maintaining secrecy from external parties, as existing methods often expose personal information during transactions.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a mobile device to generate and present readable indicia, such as QR codes, which encode user information, allowing merchants to retrieve this information securely through authentication, with the option to select profiles controlling the amount of data shared and enabling updates to user information stored on a central server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If user information is transferred directly during transactions, then transaction efficiency is improved, but user privacy and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third-party server as an intermediary between the user's mobile device and the merchant. The server stores user information and provides it to merchants only when authorized through readable indicia (such as QR codes), enabling secure information transfer without direct exposure of personal data during transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses readable indicia (visual codes) as a copy or representation of user information. Instead of transferring actual personal data directly, the system transfers encoded indicia that can be read and processed to retrieve information from the server, maintaining security while enabling information exchange.
2Loss of information
If all user information is provided to merchants, then information completeness is improved, but user privacy control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user information into different categories and allows selective disclosure. Users can choose which types of information to share with merchants based on the transaction context, rather than providing all available data. The system stores multiple data types separately and retrieves only what is necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides partial information (only what is needed for the specific transaction) rather than complete information. Users have control over the level of detail shared, allowing them to provide minimal necessary information while maintaining privacy for other data.
3Speed
If user information is stored locally on mobile devices, then access speed is improved, but security and centralized management are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a centralized server as an intermediary storage location for user information. The server securely stores data and provides fast access through encoded indicia, combining the security of centralized management with the speed of quick information retrieval during transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
User information is pre-stored and organized on the centralized server before transactions occur. This preliminary organization allows for rapid retrieval and delivery of information during actual transactions, eliminating the need for real-time data collection while maintaining security.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple profiles are stored for different scenarios, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user information into multiple distinct profiles, each tailored for specific scenarios or transaction types. Users can select which profile to activate based on the situation, allowing the system to adapt to different needs without managing all data simultaneously in a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different user profiles based on transaction context. Users can select or be assigned different profiles for different scenarios (e.g., retail, service, payment), allowing flexible adaptation while the system manages complexity by loading only the necessary profile data into memory.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for providing user information to a merchant. Embodiments may receive and store user information in a user file, receive a request from a merchant for some or all of the user information stored in the user file in response to the merchant reading a readable indicia presented by a user using a mobile device; and, in response to the request for some or all the user information, retrieve the requested information and transmit the requested information to the merchant. Embodiments may receive and store a plurality of profiles, where each profile is associated with some or all the user information stored in the user file. Some embodiments may receive user input, through the merchant, selecting one of the profiles; where retrieving the requested information comprises retrieving the user information associated with the selected profile.