Sequential 2D Barcode Transfer for Secure Unidirectional Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transfer methods, such as 2D barcodes and data diodes, face limitations in data capacity, resolution, and computational complexity, especially when transferring large amounts of data unidirectionally, and are prone to security risks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sender device encoding data as sequential 2D barcodes displayed on a display, captured by a receiver device's image sensor, using spatial markers and adaptive search areas to detect and decode the barcodes, with error correction and color channel optimization to enhance data transfer efficiency and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is transferred using bidirectional connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet), then data transfer is enabled, but security risks increase due to potential malware transmission and vulnerability exploitation
Solution Approach 1:
The communication channel is segmented into two distinct modes: unidirectional data transfer mode (sender to receiver only) and bidirectional mode. The system implements separate processing paths where the receiver device can capture and decode barcodes without being able to send data back, physically separating the transmission direction to eliminate reverse malware transmission risks
Solution Approach 2:
A 2D barcode serves as an intermediary carrier that enables unidirectional data transfer. The barcode displays data from the sender device, and the receiver device captures and decodes this barcode without establishing a bidirectional communication channel, thus using the barcode as a mediator that prevents direct data back-transfer
2Reliability
If a data diode is used for unidirectional data transfer, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to custom-built hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a physical data diode with custom hardware, the patent creates a virtual copy of unidirectional transfer functionality using standard display and image capture devices. The sender device displays barcodes on a regular display screen, and the receiver device uses a standard camera to capture and decode these barcodes, achieving unidirectional transfer without specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/custom hardware data diode system with an optical-information system using standard display and camera components. The unidirectional transfer is achieved through software-controlled barcode display and capture rather than physical hardware constraints, substituting mechanical security with information-theoretic security
3Reliability
If 2D barcodes are used for unidirectional data transfer, then security is improved, but data capacity is limited due to encoding constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic display of multiple barcodes in sequence, where each barcode carries a portion of the total data. The receiver device captures multiple sequential barcodes and assembles them to reconstruct the complete data set, multiplying the effective data capacity through temporal repetition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static single-barcode transfer to dynamic sequential barcode transfer, adding the temporal dimension to the data encoding. By displaying barcodes in sequence over time, the system effectively increases the data capacity without changing the spatial encoding constraints of individual barcodes
4Quantity of substance
If high-resolution 2D barcodes are used to increase data capacity, then data transfer capacity improves, but computational complexity and noise sensitivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data into multiple smaller barcode units displayed sequentially. Each individual barcode maintains lower resolution and simpler structure, while the cumulative data capacity is achieved through the sequence of multiple barcodes, reducing the complexity burden on any single processing operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances data transfer capacity and reduces computational complexity while ensuring unidirectional data transfer without the risk of malware transmission, suitable for secure environments like the medical field.
Implementation Method 1
using an image sensor, capturing the sequentially displayed 2D barcodes to obtain a series of captured images
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and devices are provided for unidirectional transfer of data from a sender device (100) to a receiver device (200). At the sender device, respective parts of the data are encoded to generate respective 2D barcodes, and the 2D barcodes are sequentially displayed on a display (142). At the receiver device, an image sensor (222) is used to capture the sequentially displayed 2D barcodes to obtain a series of captured images, and in each or a subset of the series of captured images, detect a position of a respective 2D barcode in the captured image, scan the 2D barcode at the identified position to obtain barcode data, and decode the barcode data to, together with the barcode data obtained from other captured images, obtain a received version of the transmitted data.