Verifier Device Encoding for Entity Identity Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing entity search methods do not adequately protect the identity of entities, particularly when searching for individuals or valuable materials, as they can be intercepted and traced by third parties, compromising privacy and traceability.

Innovation Solution

A method using a verifier device that generates a first identification word by applying a coding function to a sub-part of the entity's identifier, determined by a variable parameter, and transmits this word over a communication channel, allowing entities to verify their identity using associated identification functions, thereby enhancing protection and privacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the identifier of the entity sought is transmitted directly from the verifier device, then the search process is simple and efficient, but the identity of entities is exposed and can be intercepted by attackers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch process simplicityVSAvoididentity exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary encoding mechanism that transforms the direct identifier transmission into an indirect process. Instead of transmitting the entity identifier directly, the verifier device encodes it into an identification word using a coding function, and the entity decodes it using an associated decoding function. This intermediary encoding/decoding process protects the original identifier from being exposed during transmission while maintaining the ability to verify identity accurately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If all identifiers are transmitted from each entity, then the verifier can identify the sought entity, but the communication overhead and processing requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentity identification accuracyVSAvoidcommunication overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary information for identification from the complete entity identifier. Instead of transmitting or processing all identifier data from each entity, the system applies a coding function that extracts essential identification features and transforms them into a compact identification word. This extraction process reduces the quantity of data that needs to be transmitted and processed while maintaining sufficient information for accurate entity identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the identifier is protected using encryption, then identity protection is improved, but the processing complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentity protectionVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the identification process by using encoding/decoding functions with specific mathematical properties rather than traditional encryption/decryption. The coding function transforms the identifier into an identification word, and the decoding function recovers the original identifier, providing protection without requiring complex cryptographic operations. This parameter change approach maintains identity protection while reducing processing complexity compared to conventional encryption methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2462715B1Method for searching for an entity using a verifier device, and related devices
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 IDEMIA IDENTITY & SECURITY FRANCE SAS
  • EP2462715B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2462715B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for searching for an entity belonging to a set of entities using a verifier device (1), the verifier device and the entities being arranged so as to exchange information via at least one communication channel (2), each entity of said set of entities having a first respective identifier, from which a plurality of representatives can be obtained. According to said method, a first identification word (mi; p(Xi)), related to an entity (4) for which a search is carried out, is obtained in the verifier device, the first identification word being formed by applying a first encoding function to the first identifier of the entity for which the search is being carried out, so as to depend on a sub-portion of the plurality of representatives that can be obtained from said first identifier, said sub-portion being predetermined by at least one variable parameter (i); and the first identification word, obtained on the communication channel, is transmitted from the verifier device.