QR Code Secondary Information for Secure Mass Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems using QR codes face security concerns due to easy accessibility and high costs associated with printing individualized QR codes for specific information, as well as difficulties in monitoring and encrypting confidential data.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that incorporates secondary information with QR codes to restrict access and enable secure functionality, such as configuration or registration, by capturing images with integrated cameras and applying GPS location, local area network information, or other distinguishing data to decrypt or access network locations, allowing for mass production of QR codes with restricted access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individualized QR codes are printed for specific information, then security and customization are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QR code information into two parts: a standardized base QR code containing common functionality, and individualized secondary information (such as serial numbers, activation keys, or user-specific data) that is added separately. This allows mass production of the base QR code while enabling customization through secondary information, resolving the contradiction between security/customization and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The base QR code is prepared in advance during mass production with standardized information, and individualized secondary information is added later through separate processes (such as printing, labeling, or digital association). This preliminary preparation of the common portion reduces manufacturing complexity while allowing later customization for security purposes.
2Ease of operation
If QR codes are made accessible for easy scanning, then usability is improved, but security and control over confidential data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different security levels to different parts of the QR code system. The base QR code maintains high accessibility and ease of scanning for general functionality, while the secondary information layer provides enhanced security controls. This local differentiation allows the system to be easy to use for legitimate purposes while maintaining security for confidential data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification process that checks secondary information (such as location data, device identifiers, or authorization tokens) before granting access to confidential data. This intermediary layer maintains usability for authorized users while preventing unauthorized access, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
3Reliability
If secondary information is added to QR codes for security, then access control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a simple base QR code component and a separate secondary information management component. The base QR code remains simple and widely compatible, while the secondary information layer handles security functions. This segmentation improves access control without significantly increasing the complexity of the core QR code scanning functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system analyzes secondary information captured with an image of a two-dimensional barcode to perform a function. For example, a mobile phone camera captures an image of a QR code at a product plus characters printed next to the QR code, uses optical code recognition to determine the characters, and applies information from the QR code and the characters to register the product. As another example, a security indicator is captured with an image of the QR code and applied to access information of the QR code, such as by using GPS position information, local network information, or telephone number information to encrypt and/or decrypt information stored in the QR code.