QR Code Transfer Flow Selection for Secure Network-Aware Payments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for QR code-based data transfers are limited to single flows, unaware of beneficial flows in different circumstances, and lack security considerations, leading to inefficient and potentially insecure transactions.

Innovation Solution

A system that assists entities in selecting appropriate QR code data transfer flows based on entity-specific factors, such as location, network infrastructure, and risk profiles, while ensuring security through dynamic QR codes and network-aware processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single fixed flow for QR code data transfer is used, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to different network infrastructures and circumstances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different network infrastructuresVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic flow selection where the system automatically chooses among multiple data transfer flows based on real-time network conditions, entity characteristics, and security requirements. The support server dynamically determines the appropriate flow (e.g., synchronous vs asynchronous, different authentication methods) rather than using a fixed single flow, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through automated dynamic decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as network protocol selection, authentication method, and data transfer mode based on detected network infrastructure characteristics. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to the specific circumstances (network speed, security level, entity type), the system achieves high adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple data transfer flows are supported, then the system can adapt to different circumstances, but entities become unaware of which flow is beneficial

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple data transfer flowsVSAvoidease of flow selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support server automatically performs flow selection based on entity-provided information about their characteristics and requirements. The system uses self-service mechanisms where entities register their preferences and constraints once, and the support server autonomously determines the optimal flow for each transaction without requiring entities to manually select or understand different flow types, thus maintaining ease of operation while supporting multiple flows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops where the support server continuously monitors transaction outcomes, security events, and performance metrics to learn which flows work best for different entity types. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically improve its flow selection accuracy over time, making the complex multi-flow system appear simple to users who benefit from increasingly accurate automated recommendations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If traditional QR code systems are used without flow awareness, then the implementation is straightforward, but security considerations are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of transactionsVSAvoidcomplexity of security processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support server acts as an intermediary that handles all complex security processing between entities. Rather than requiring each entity to implement sophisticated security logic locally, the support server centralizes security functions including authentication verification, flow security validation, and transaction monitoring. This intermediary approach enhances security while keeping individual entity systems relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary security checks and flow validations before actual data transfer occurs. The support server pre-authenticates entities, pre-validates the selected flow's security appropriateness, and sets up security parameters in advance. This preliminary action ensures security requirements are met before transactions begin, reducing the need for complex runtime security processing during active data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If QR codes are used for data transfer, then information can be conveyed efficiently, but the system lacks awareness of beneficial flows in different circumstances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of data transferVSAvoidawareness of beneficial flows
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic flow selection where the system automatically chooses among multiple data transfer flows based on real-time network conditions, entity characteristics, and security requirements. The support server dynamically determines the appropriate flow (e.g., synchronous vs asynchronous, different authentication methods) rather than using a fixed single flow, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through automated dynamic decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3732645B1Secure QR code based data transfers
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 PAYPAL INC
  • EP3732645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3732645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3732645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method may include receiving a quick response (QR) code from a computing device, the QR code including a first entity identifier, and analyzing the QR code to determine a request to initiate a data transfer between a first entity associated with the first entity identifier and a second entity, and to determine one or more characteristics associated with the data transfer. The method may also include, based on the one or more characteristics, identifying a first QR code processing flow from multiple QR code processing flows to follow to process the data transfer, and verifying the first entity in the transaction based on the first entity identifier of the QR code and based on the first QR code processing flow. The method may also include processing the data transfer between the second entity and the first entity based on the first QR code processing flow.