Secure Barcode Encryption via Bit Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode sharing methods lack security measures to protect information from unintended recipients, particularly in public settings where unauthorized devices can intercept and decode barcodes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encrypting documents and mixing encrypted bits with security credentials in a predetermined order within the barcode, allowing only authorized readers to unmix and decrypt the information using a known order or network address, and optionally using masking images to conceal the barcode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard barcode sharing methods are used, then information can be easily shared between devices, but the information becomes vulnerable to interception by unintended recipients in public places
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the barcode data into multiple components: encrypted information packets and separate decryption keys. The sender's device divides the original information into several encrypted segments that are embedded in the barcode, while the decryption key is stored separately in the sender's device. This segmentation ensures that even if the barcode is intercepted, the information remains secure without the decryption key.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary encryption and segmentation actions before the barcode is generated. The information is encrypted and divided into segments prior to being embedded in the barcode structure. This preliminary security measure ensures that the information is protected from the moment of encoding, preventing unauthorized access even during transmission or display.
2Reliability
If encryption is applied to protect barcode information, then security is improved, but the complexity of reading and decoding the barcode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary decryption key that acts as a mediator between the encrypted barcode data and the original information. The barcode reader device uses this separate key to decrypt the encrypted segments after scanning the barcode. This intermediary approach maintains security while simplifying the decoding process, as the decryption key handles the complexity of decryption rather than the barcode structure itself.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple security layers are added to the barcode, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the barcode structure becomes more complex and harder to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security-critical decryption key from the barcode structure itself and stores it separately in the sender's device. Only encrypted information segments remain in the barcode, which can be scanned by any standard barcode reader. The separate key extraction ensures that the barcode maintains its readability while the security function is handled by the device that possesses the key, not by complicating the barcode structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for providing a document (175) using a secure bar code (180) includes encrypting the document (175) to generate an encrypted document (175), and mixing together bits for a security credential (190) with bits for the encrypted document (175) to generate a set of mixed bits having a predetermined order. The security credential (190) is for decrypting the encrypted document (175). The method further includes inserting the set of mixed bits into the secure bar code (180) and outputting the secure bar code (180). A bar code reader (115) knows the predetermined order and is configured to read the secure bar code (180). The bar code reader (115) may also be configured to un-mix the mixed bits based on the predetermined order, and decrypt the encrypted document (175) with the security credential (190).