BE1024741B1 - IDENTIFICATION BY SCANNING A BARCODE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for sending a digital document. A receiver sends an identification code using a user device to a server where the identification code is stored. A sender sends a digital document to the server. The sender provides the receiver with a barcode comprising the identification code in encrypted form on a paper carrier. The receiver scans the barcode with the user device. The encrypted identification code from the barcode is sent to the server. The saved and encrypted identification codes are compared on the server. For correspondence, the recipient receives the digital document.

Description

(30) Priority data:

(73) Holder (s):

POM NV

1702, GRAND-BIGARD Belgium (72) Inventor (s):

TOTTÉ Tom

2140 BORGER WOOD

Belgium

VERMEIRE Johannes 2600 BERCHEM Belgium (54) IDENTIFICATION BY SCANNING A BAR CODE (57) The present invention relates to a method for sending a digital document. A recipient sends an identification code using a user device to a server, where the identification code is stored. A sender sends a digital document to the server. The sender provides the recipient with a barcode containing the identification code in encrypted form on a paper medium. The receiver scans the barcode with the user device. The encrypted identification code from the barcode is sent to the server. The server stores the stored and encrypted identification codes

compared. In case of correspondence, the recipient receives the digital document.

BELGIAN INVENTION PATENT

FPS Economy, K.M.O., Self-employed & Energy

Intellectual Property Office

Publication number: 1024741 Filing number: BE2016 / 5856

International Classification: G06K 17/00 Date of Issue: 21/06/2018

The Minister of Economy,

Having regard to the Paris Convention of 20 March 1883 for the Protection of Industrial Property;

Having regard to the Law of March 28, 1984 on inventive patents, Article 22, for patent applications filed before September 22, 2014;

Having regard to Title 1 Invention Patents of Book XI of the Economic Law Code, Article XI.24, for patent applications filed from September 22, 2014;

Having regard to the Royal Decree of 2 December 1986 on the filing, granting and maintenance of inventive patents, Article 28;

Having regard to the application for an invention patent received by the Intellectual Property Office on 15/11/2016.

Whereas for patent applications that fall within the scope of Title 1, Book XI, of the Code of Economic Law (hereinafter WER), in accordance with Article XI.19, § 4, second paragraph, of the WER, the granted patent will be limited. to the patent claims for which the novelty search report was filed, when the patent application is the subject of a novelty search report indicating a lack of unity of invention as referred to in paragraph 1, and when the applicant does not limit his filing and does not file a divisional filing in accordance with the search report.

Decision:

Article 1

POM NV, Hendrik Placestraat 43A, 1702 GRAND-BIGARD Belgium;

represented by

BRANTS Johan Philippe Emile, Pauline Van Pottelsberghelaan 24, 9051, GHENT;

VAN CAUTEREN Tim, Pauline Van Pottelsberghelaan 24, 9051, GHENT;

a Belgian invention patent with a term of 20 years, subject to payment of the annual fees as referred to in Article XI.48, § 1 of the Code of Economic Law, for:

IDENTIFICATION BY SCANNING A BARCODE.

INVENTOR (S):

TOTTÉTom, Gitschotellei 347, 2140, BORGERHOUT;

VERMEIRE Johannes, Deken de Winterstraat 42, 2600, BERCHEM;

PRIORITY:

BREAKDOWN:

Split from basic application: Filing date of the basic application:

Article 2. - This patent is granted without prior investigation into the patentability of the invention, without warranty of the Merit of the invention, nor of the accuracy of its description and at the risk of the applicant (s).

Brussels, 21/06/2018,

With special authorization:

BE2016 / 5856

IDENTIFICATION BY SCANNING A BARCODE

TECHNICAL DOMAIN

The invention relates to the technical field of electronic communication. More specifically, the invention relates to verifying the identity of a recipient of a digital document by scanning a barcode on a paper support, the barcode comprising an encrypted identification code suitable for determining the identity of the recipient.

STATE OF THE ART

In the technical field of electronic communications, a Quick Response Code ™ or QR code is a well-known tool for exchanging information. A QR code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that can be read mechanically and optically. The matrix barcode consists of small black squares in a larger square grid on a white background. This barcode can be read optically with a user device including a camera, information can be decoded by the user device from the optically read matrix, and the information can then be used for all kinds of purposes. Examples of purposes are downloading an application to the user device, displaying on the user device of a website the QR code of which contains a link to the website, and displaying on the user device product and / or price information about products in a Shop, where the packaging of the products includes QR codes.

Document US 2015/0222615 describes a method for authorizing an unreliable client device to access a data server. The data server receives a request from an unreliable client device to access the data server. The data server sends an authorization key to the untrusted client device. The data server then receives the authorization key from a trusted client device. Based on the identity of the authorization keys, the data server sends data to the untrusted client device in accordance with additional instructions that the trusted client device may have sent.

Document US 2005/0203854 describes a method for using a mobile phone camera in transactions. A business entity produces a printed medium containing an indication for a transaction. The printed medium includes a

BE2016 / 5856 barcode, the barcode comprising communication data suitable for direct communication with the business entity. The barcode further includes specific transaction data related to the transaction indicated on the printed medium. The user creates a digital image of the barcode using the camera. The mobile phone including the camera is configured to decode the digital image to obtain the communication data and the transaction data. The mobile phone then makes direct contact with the business entity based on the communication data. The mobile device also sends the transaction data decoded from the barcode to further simplify the transaction. The barcode includes an encrypted digital signature that can be used by the mobile device to verify the identity of the business entity.

The method in document US 2015/0222615 is suitable if a user wishes to contact a data server. However, the method does not describe the possibility that the data server wishes to contact the user for the transfer of documents. Furthermore, the method describes the use of two devices, although a single device may suffice for the transfer of data.

The method in document US 2005/0203854 is suitable for offering a transaction to a user by a business entity and for easily executing this transaction. However, the method does not describe the transfer of other data such as digital documents. Furthermore, the method does not include user identification to protect against an unwanted user. The method also includes direct contact between the mobile phone and the business entity. However, for paying invoices or receiving digital documents, it may be more convenient to contact directly the business entity's financial institution or a data server provided by a third party, respectively.

The present invention aims to find a solution to at least some of the aforementioned Problems.

BE2016 / 5856

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient, the method comprising the steps of:

- providing an identification code of the recipient;

- providing a server (4) suitable for exchanging, storing and processing data;

- providing a user device (2) comprising a camera, the user device suitable for entering, processing and exchanging data;

- entering the identification code on the user device (2);

- sending the entered identification code (5) from the user device (2) to the server (4);

- storing data suitable for comparing the identification code on the server (4);

- sending the digital document (7) from the sender (3) to the server (4);

- providing the sender (3) with a barcode comprising the identification code of the receiver in encrypted form;

- sending a paper carrier comprising the barcode (9) from the sender (3) to the recipient;

- reading the barcode on the paper support using the camera of the user device (2);

- sending the encrypted identification code (10) from the user device (2) to the server (4); and

- comparing on the server (4) the encrypted identification code and the stored data suitable for comparing the identification code, and when establishing correspondence of the identification codes, sending the digital document (11) from the server (4) to the user equipment (2).

In a preferred embodiment of the method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient, the sender (3) receives a transfer confirmation (12) from the server (4) after sending the digital document (11) from the server (4) to the user equipment (2).

In one embodiment of the method, provision of the barcode to the sender (3) is accomplished by sending the barcode (8) from the server (4) to the sender (3). In a preferred embodiment of the method, the sender (3) knows the

BE2016 / 5856 unencrypted identification code of the recipient, and providing the sender (3) with the barcode is realized by providing the sender (3) with an encryption key, and the sender (3) himself makes the barcode containing the identification code of the recipient in encrypted form, based on the encryption key and the unencrypted identification code. In this preferred embodiment, the sender (3) has previously discovered the unencrypted identification code of the recipient through another communication channel, e.g., by direct contact with the recipient.

A recipient registers with a digital document transfer service. When registering, the recipient provides an identification code to the service using a user device. A sender wishes to send a digital document to the recipient, and wants certainty about the identification of the user and in a preferred embodiment also a transfer confirmation. The sender submits this document to the service. Either the service provides the sender with a barcode containing the identification code of the recipient in encrypted form, or the sender has previously read the unencrypted identification code of the recipient and the sender is provided with an encryption key to enter the barcode himself. based on the unencrypted identification code. The sender provides the recipient with a paper medium, e.g. a letter, the paper medium containing the barcode. The recipient reads in the barcode with its user device, and the user device sends data including the encrypted identification code from the barcode to the service. The service compares the encrypted identification code with the identification code provided at registration. In correspondence of the identification codes, the service delivers the digital document to the recipient and, in a preferred embodiment, the service also provides a transfer confirmation to the sender.

This method is advantageous for several reasons. First, the recipient only needs a single user device to identify the user and obtain the digital document.

Second, the recipient should not keep an eye on their user device for a potential new digital document. Thus, the recipient should not repeatedly send a request for the receipt of a digital document to the service or the sender, but is informed by means of a paper medium, eg a letter, of the availability of a new digital document.

BE2016 / 5856

Thirdly, this method is suitable for sending any digital documents, eg digital invoices, magazines, newspapers, or multimedia. When sending a digital document comprising a large number of pages, this method can provide significant savings in printing and transport costs.

Fourth, the identity of the recipient is assured if the identification code cannot be known by an unwanted user, and more particularly if the way of entering the identification code comprises an official document that guarantees the identity of the recipient. Preferred embodiments in this regard are described in the detailed description.

Fifth, the sender only has to provide the digital document to the service once at a time that suits him, and the sender does not always have to keep the digital document available pending its retrieval by the recipient.

In a second aspect, the present invention concerns the use of the method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient, wherein the sender is a business entity and the digital document includes a billing.

This is advantageous because the recipient does not have to enter the billing information, eg the account number and / or the structured message. These can be copied electronically from the digital document. The digital document can also be processed automatically with automatic filling in of the billing data.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient, the sender being an official body and the digital document an official document.

This is advantageous because the official body can transfer sensitive documents to the recipient, whereby the official body has a double guarantee that the sensitive documents reach the correct recipient by checking the address of the user and the user identification code.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient, wherein

BE2016 / 5856 the sender is a social secretariat or an employer and the digital document includes a payslip.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention concerns the use of the method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient, the steps of which:

- reading in the barcode with the user device;

- comparing on the server the encrypted identification code and the stored data suitable for comparing the identification code;

- sending the digital document from the server to the recipient; and

- sending the transfer confirmation from the server to the sender, used to replace a registered shipment.

In the case of registered mail, a letter is presented to the post by a sender, a postman checks the identity of the recipient, if the identity is correct, the letter is delivered to the recipient, and then the sender receives a proof of delivery. The method of the present invention also guarantees that the document is delivered only after identity verification, and that the sender receives a transfer receipt. This method can therefore offer the same guarantees as a registered mail, but with large-scale use at a much lower financial cost.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 includes a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the method of sending a digital document comprising billing information from a business entity to a recipient. In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the method of sending an official document from an official body to a recipient. In a fourth aspect, the present invention concerns the use of the method of sending a digital document comprising a pay slip from a social secretariat or an employer to an employee. In a fifth aspect

BE2016 / 5856 the present invention relates to the use of the method as an alternative to registered mail, with a guarantee of identity verification and proof of delivery.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates the method of sending a digital document from a sender to a receiver according to the present invention. The receiver is provided with an identification code (5) and a user device (2) comprising a camera, the user device suitable for entering and exchanging data. Recipient identification codes should have a one-to-one relationship with the recipients. Furthermore, the identification codes are not known by possible unwanted recipients. The user device is, for example, a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone. However, the user device is not limited to this list. The identification code is entered on the user equipment (2) by the receiver. In a preferred embodiment of the method, an official body provides an official document (5), the official document containing an official identification code. In a preferred embodiment, the official document is read using the camera of the user device, which makes a digital recording of the official document. In a further preferred embodiment, the official document is an identity card and the identification code is the national register number. In another embodiment, the official document is a social security card, and the identification code is the social security number. In yet another embodiment, the official document is a driver's license or an identity card, comprising an ID number.

Reading an official document is advantageous because it is difficult for an unwanted recipient to copy such an official document. In addition, every adult in Belgium has an identity card and a unique national register number, each adult must always have this identity card with him, and identity cards can therefore be used as suitable official documents. In the United States, on the other hand, every adult has a Social Security card, a driver's license, and / or an ID card, and therefore the Social Security number and / or ID number can be used as an identification code.

A server (4) is also provided. The server (4) is suitable for exchanging data with the sender (2) and with the user device (2). The server (4) is also suitable for storing and processing data. The entered identification code is sent (6) from the user device (2) to the server (4). Data is stored on the server (4) for comparison of the identification code at a later time. The identity of a recipient becomes one to one

BE2016 / 5856 linked to this saved data. In one embodiment, the digital recording of the official document can also be sent to the server, and the official document on the server can be checked for authenticity. In another embodiment, the user device may also be capable of checking the authenticity of the official document, e.g. an electronic identity card that can be read by a card reader. In a preferred embodiment, the stored data on the server comprises the identification code in an encrypted form. In another embodiment, the stored data includes the identification code in the entered unencrypted form. In order to link the identity of a recipient one to one with the retained data, in a preferred embodiment, the recipient is asked to enter security data. This security information may include a recipient username. These security details further include a password chosen by the recipient. The password must be entered for every exchange of data between the user device and the server. In another embodiment, the identity of the recipient is determined by reusing the same user device and an associated unique device code, e.g. the MAC address.

Additional security is built in by checking the authenticity of the official document, either via the digital recording or electronically reading in an electronic official document. The recipient must not only have knowledge of the identification code, but must also be in possession of the correct official document.

By storing the identification code on the server in encrypted form, protection against data leaks can be provided. Suppose a malicious person comes into possession of the encrypted identification codes on the server. To activate his permission, the malicious person still has to enter the original identification code, after which it is converted into encrypted form. If decrypting the original identification code based on the encrypted identification code is impossible or takes a long time, storing the identification codes in an encrypted form can provide additional security.

By entering security data including a password, extra security is built in against eg theft. Imagine a malicious person unlawfully in possession of the user device. Before he can exchange data as if he were the rightful recipient, the malicious person must first enter the password of the security data. It also allows the recipient to transfer

BE2016 / 5856 switches to a new user device, without having to enter the identification code again, eg in case of theft, loss or failure of its user device.

The sender (3) sends a digital document (7) to the server (4). The digital document is ultimately intended for the recipient. Either the destination is clear from the digital document, or the sender also sends identification data from the recipient to the server. The sender (3) is provided with a barcode containing the identification code of the receiver in encrypted form. In one embodiment, the sender (3) receives this barcode (8) from the server (4). In a preferred embodiment, the sender has already taken note of the unencrypted identification code and the sender (3) is provided with an encryption key to generate the barcode himself on the basis of the unencrypted identification code. The sender (3) applies the barcode to a paper support and sends it (9) to the recipient. The receiver reads the barcode on the paper support using the camera of the user device (2). Subsequently, the user device (2) sends data including the encrypted identification code (10) to the server (4). On the server (4), the encrypted identification code is compared with the stored data suitable for comparing the identification code. In correspondence of the identification codes, the digital document is sent (11) from the server (4) to the user device (2). In a preferred embodiment, the barcode is a two-dimensional matrix barcode, preferably a QR code. In a preferred embodiment, the server (4) also sends a transfer confirmation (12) to the sender (3) during or after transmission of the digital document (11) to the user device (2).

It is advantageous to use a QR code because the technology for reading QR codes is well known in the relevant technical field. In addition, it is a visually recognizable and ubiquitous communication tool, and a recipient usually knows before reading instructions that he will need to read the QR code with the camera of his user device.

When sending a transfer confirmation from the server to the sender, the latter is sure that the recipient has requested the digital document, so that the recipient cannot deny later that he received the paper carrier containing the QR code.

BE2016 / 5856

In what follows, the invention is described by means of non-limiting examples illustrating the invention, which are not intended or may be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

A business entity provides customers with a product or a service. To arrange payment for the product or service, the business entity wants to send an invoice to the customer. It may happen that customers of the business entity discuss with the business entity whether or not to receive an invoice. In addition, benevolent customers sometimes incorrectly transfer or type the billing information, such as the account number and / or structured communication, from a paper invoice, as a result of which the business entity does not receive the invoiced amount. To avoid this, the business entity operates in accordance with the method of the present invention with an electronic invoice sending service with acknowledgment of receipt.

The service provides a server and an application for customers' smartphones. A customer downloads the application on his smartphone. He creates an account, the account protected by a password, i.e. security data for personal access to the application and therefore to the server. When first registering in the application, the recipient is asked to take a picture of the front and back of his identity card via the application and the camera of his smartphone. The national register number is determined on the server from the recording and stored in encrypted form on the server, whereby the encrypted national register number on the server can be linked to the customer's account.

The business entity sends an invoice for a customer digitally to the server of the service. The business entity also creates a QR code containing the customer's encrypted national register number based on an encryption key previously obtained and the customer's unencrypted national register number. In an alternative communication, the business entity sends an ordered list of invoices for different customers to the server, and the business entity creates an ordered list containing the QR codes containing the encrypted national register numbers of the different customers on the basis of an previously obtained encryption key and the unencrypted national register numbers of these customers. The business entity sends a letter for each customer, the letter containing the QR code with the encrypted national register number of that customer. Suppose the business entity makes a mistake and

BE2016 / 5856 wrong QR codes are sent to customers, according to the method of the present invention, customers cannot receive the wrong invoices.

A customer who receives a letter with a QR code scans this QR code via the application and the camera of his smartphone. In case of correspondence of the encrypted national register number from the scanned QR code and the encrypted national register number stored on the server and linked to the customer's account, the digital invoice will be sent to the customer's smartphone via the application. The business entity then receives a receipt of the invoice. Once scanned, the customer can no longer deny receipt of the letter containing the QR code, just like with a registered mail. The customer can then electronically copy the billing information to complete the payment. On the other hand, if the customer's financial institution allows this, the billing information can also be automatically extracted from the digital invoice to complete the payment. With this method, the customer can no longer type the billing data incorrectly.

EXAMPLE 2

A city or a municipality can use the method according to the present invention for sending electronic documents to its inhabitants. An example concerns the inhabitants of a certain neighborhood where a new mobility plan becomes valid. In consultation with the local police, the municipality has made an information brochure about the changes in the traffic situation and informs the residents of the district by letter that they can download the information brochure digitally via a QR code on the letter. A large proportion of the residents of the district use the method according to the present invention to receive the digital information brochure. The city or municipality can follow up on the transfer confirmation which residents have downloaded the digital information brochure. After a month, the city or municipality will provide the other residents who have not downloaded the brochure with a paper version of the information brochure. In this way, the city or the municipality saves considerably on printing and shipping costs.

EXAMPLE 3

A social secretariat or an employer may use the method of the present invention to send electronic payslips to employees. By scanning the barcode by an employee and subsequently sending the pay slip from the server to the employee, as well as a transfer confirmation from the employee.

BE2016 / 5856 server to the employer or the social secretariat, the latter is sure that the employee concerned has received the payslip. This can be used as a signal to remove the electronic payslip from the server and / or the computers of the social secretariat or the employer, so that the corresponding storage space can be used for other purposes in the future.

BE2016 / 5856

Claims (15)

CONCLUSIONS 1. Method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient, the method comprising the steps of: - providing an identification code of the recipient; - providing a server (4) suitable for exchanging, storing and processing data; - providing a user device (2) comprising a camera, the user device suitable for entering, processing and exchanging data; - entering the identification code on the user device (2); - sending the entered identification code (6) from the user device (2) to the server (4); - storing data suitable for comparing the identification code on the server (4); - sending the digital document (7) from the sender (3) to the server (4); - providing the sender (3) with a barcode comprising the identification code of the receiver in encrypted form; - sending a paper carrier comprising the barcode (9) from the sender (3) to the recipient; - reading the barcode on the paper support using the camera of the user device (2); - sending the encrypted identification code (10) from the user device (2) to the server (4); and - comparing on the server (4) the encrypted identification code and the stored data suitable for comparing the identification code, and when establishing correspondence of the identification codes, sending the digital document (11) from the server (4) to the user equipment (2). The method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to claim 1, wherein the barcode is a two-dimensional matrix barcode, preferably a QR code. A method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the identification code of the recipient is provided on an official document (5) by an official BE2016 / 5856 instance (1), and in which the identification code is entered on the user device (2) by making a digital recording of the official document using the camera of the user device (2). Method for sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to claim 3, wherein the official document is an identity card, and wherein the identification code is the national register number. A method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any of claims 3 or 4, comprising the step of: - verifying the authenticity of the official document against the digital recording of the official document. The method of transmitting a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the data suitable for comparing the identification code comprises the encrypted identification code. The method of transmitting a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the data suitable for comparing the identification code comprises the entered unencrypted identification code. A method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the steps of: - creating security data by the recipient, the security data comprising a password, entering the security data necessary for exchanging data between the user device and the server; and - entering the password of the security data by the recipient into the user device to enable the exchange of data between the user device and the server. Method for sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein during or after the sending of the digital document (11) from the server (4) to the BE2016 / 5856 user device (2), the sender (3) receives a transfer confirmation (12) from the server (4). A method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the step of providing the sender (3) with the barcode is accomplished by sending the barcode ( 8) from the server (4) to the sender (3). A method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the step of providing the sender (3) with the barcode is accomplished by: - providing the sender (3) with the unencrypted identification code of the recipient, preferably by communication between the recipient and the sender, more preferably by direct contact between the recipient and the sender, - providing the sender (3) with an encryption key, and - the creation by the sender (3) of the barcode comprising the identification code of the receiver in encrypted form, based on the encryption key and the unencrypted identification code. Use of the method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sender is a business entity and the digital document includes a billing. Use of the method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sender is an official body and the digital document is an official document. Use of the method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sender is a social secretariat or an employer and the digital document includes a payslip. Use of the method of sending a digital document from a sender to a recipient according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the steps: BE2016 / 5856 - reading in the barcode with the user device; - processing and then comparing on the server the encrypted identification code and the stored data suitable for comparing the identification code; 5 - sending the digital document from the server to the recipient; and - sending the transfer confirmation from the server to the sender, used to replace a registered shipment. BE2016 / 5856