WO2022190128A1

WO2022190128A1 - System and method for a secure passbook

Info

Publication number: WO2022190128A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050212
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pragnyat LALWANI; Subhash LAMA
Original assignee: Seshaasai Business Forms Pvt. Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-09
Filing date: 2022-03-09
Publication date: 2022-09-15

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system and method for a secure passbook (102). The secure passbook (102) comprises an NFC tag (104) and a readable code (106) which can be personalized with a user's data. A passbook printing unit (204) is used to print and assemble the secure passbook (102). The secure passbook (102) is provided to a passbook processing unit (208) for scanning the NFC tag (104) and the readable code (106). Further, the passbook processing unit (208) communicates with servers (324) to retrieve relevant user data. Thereafter, based on the user data and one or more instructions from the server (324), the passbook processing unit (208) executes one or more commands. The commands comprise printing transactions into the secure passbook (102) by using a printing module (316) in the passbook processing unit (208), updating user data stored in the NFC tag (106) and other transaction-related actions.

Description

System and method for a secure passbook

The field of invention generally relates to passbooks with an NFC tag and a readable code. More specifically, it relates to a system and method for generating and processing passbooks with an NFC tag and a readable code.

Passbooks are commonly issued by banks to their customers, for recording their daily transactions. Currently, existing systems do not succeed in providing secure passbook facilities.

Existing systems have tried to address this problem. However, their scope was limited to providing a machine for scanning the passbook. Such machines do not provide any security against cloned passbooks comprising fake copies/imitations of barcode stickers. Such cloned passbooks allow fraudulent persons to access confidential financial information of the bank customers.

Further, such machines have a human operator to enter/verify details of the customer, which is inconvenient and also results in human errors. Hence, such systems cannot function without a human operator, which is inconvenient for a user who wants to process or update their passbook when banks are closed or human operators are unavailable. Additionally, theft or misplacement of the passbook can result in financial fraud, as the passbook comprises many financial details of the customer.

Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is need for a secure passbook, which is reliable and does not suffer from the problems discussed above.

Object of Invention

The principal object of this invention is to provide a system and method for a secure passbook.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system and method for a secure passbooks comprising NFC tags which cannot be cloned, and thus provide security against financial fraud.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system and method for a secure passbook comprising NFC tags with a digital signature, which prevents financial fraud.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system and method for generating a secure passbook by printing and assembling the secure passbook using a passbook printing unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system and method for processing a secure passbook by scanning the secure passbook by using a passbook processing unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system and method for processing a secure passbook by retrieving user data and receiving instructions to execute one or more actions on the secure passbook.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system and method for a secure passbook which provides better security and reduces financial fraud.

This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A

depicts/illustrates an implementation of a secure passbook, in accordance with an embodiment;

Fig. 1B

depicts/illustrates another implementation of the secure passbook, in accordance with an embodiment;

Fig. 2A

depicts/illustrates printing of the secure passbook, in accordance with an embodiment;

Fig. 2B

depicts/illustrates reading of the secure passbook, in accordance with an embodiment;

Fig. 3

depicts/illustrates a system for secure passbooks, in accordance with an embodiment;

Fig. 4A

illustrates a method for generating the secure passbook, in accordance with an embodiment; and

Fig. 4B

illustrates a method for processing the secure passbook, in accordance with an embodiment.

Statement of Invention

The present invention discloses a system and method for a secure passbook. The secure passbook comprises an NFC tag and a readable code which can be personalized with a user’s data. The NFC tag is globally unique and cannot be cloned. Further, the NFC tag comprises a digital signature which cannot be duplicated. Hence, the secure passbook is safe from financial fraud. A passbook printing unit is used to print and assemble the secure passbook. The secure passbook can be provided to a passbook processing unit which can scan the NFC tag and the readable code on the secure passbook. Further, the passbook processing unit communicates with one or more servers to retrieve user data. Thereafter, based on the user data and one or more instructions from the server, the passbook processing unit executes one or more commands. The commands comprise one or more of printing one or more transactions into the secure passbook by using a printing module in the passbook processing unit, updating one or more information stored in the NFC tag and other transaction-related actions, among others.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The present invention discloses a system and method for a secure passbook. The secure passbook comprises an NFC tag and a readable code which can be personalized with a user’s data. A passbook printing unit is used to print and assemble the secure passbook. The secure passbook can be provided to a passbook processing unit which can scan the NFC tag and the readable code on the secure passbook. Further, the passbook processing unit communicates with one or more servers to retrieve user data. Thereafter, based on the user data and one or more instructions from the server, the passbook processing unit executes one or more commands. The commands comprise one or more of printing one or more transactions into the secure passbook by using a printing module in the passbook processing unit, updating one or more information stored in the NFC tag and other transaction-related actions, among others.

depicts/illustrates an implementation of a secure passbook 102, in accordance with an embodiment. The secure passbook 102/1 may be used to record and provide brief statements of one or more transactions of a user.

In an embodiment, the secure passbook 102/1 may comprise a near field communication (NFC) tag 104/1 and a readable code 106/1.

depicts/illustrates another implementation of the secure passbook 102/2, in accordance with an embodiment. The secure passbook 102 may comprise the NFC tag 104/2 and the readable code 106/2 in different positions, as compared to the secure passbook 102/1.

Hereinafter, the secure passbooks 102/1-2, NFC tags 104/1-2 and readable tags 106/1-2 may be referred to as secure passbooks 102, NFC tags 104 and readable tags 106, respectively.

In an embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be embedded within the secure passbook 102. The NFC tag 104 may be sandwiched within one or more sheets of the secure passbook 102. In a preferred embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be sandwiched in a front sheet of the secure passbook 102.

In an embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be attached to the secure passbook 102 in the form of a sticker comprising the NFC tag 104. The NFC tag 104 sticker may be attached onto a front sheet or any other sheet in the secure passbook 102.

The NFC tag 104 comprises an antenna and a chip. Each NFC tag 104 comprises a Unique Identification (UID) number which is embedded into the NFC tag by a manufacturer.

In an embodiment, each NFC tag 104 is globally unique. Further, the NFC tag is a chip that cannot be cloned, which allows the secure passbook 102 to be safe from any financial fraud through cloning of the NFC tag 104 or the readable code 106.

In an embodiment, the NFC tag 104 comprises a trusted digital signature, with which it can communicate with one or more other devices such as the passbook printing unit 204, the passbook processing unit 208, servers 324 and one or more user devices such as a scanner, laptop, smartphone, smart watch, computer, etc.

In an embodiment, the NFC tag can communicate with one or more cloud servers and cloud applications such as a banking application, and a consumer application, among others.

In an embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be a flexible tag, which can be attached or stuck onto the secure passbook 102. The flexible NFC tag 104 has the added advantage of improving usability and reducing the chances of damage as it is present in a paper-based secure passbook 102.

In an embodiment, the NFC tag 104 may be embedded with one or more user information in order to personalize the NFC tag 104 to a specific user. The relevant user data may be derived by reading the readable code 106 and/or deriving one or more user data from a server (not shown in fig), such as an account number or a customer ID number.

In an embodiment, once the globally unique NFC tag 104 has been linked to a readable code 106, the information related to the linking may be stored or retrieved through one or more devices such as the passbook printing unit 204, the passbook processing unit 208 and the servers 324. Thereafter, any discrepancy between the linked NFC tag 104 and the linked readable code will prevent the processing of information from the secure passbook 102. As an example, in case any fraudulent persons attempt to read/process confidential data from the secure passbook 102 by using a cloned sticker of the readable code 106, they will fail in retrieving such confidential information, due to the absence of the link between the NFC tag 104 and the readable code 106.

In an embodiment, the Unique Identifier (UID) in each NFC tag 104 is an intrinsically trustworthy element which ensures the correct identification and authentication of the NFC tag 104. The UID can be easily traced back to the NFC tag 104 manufacturer, and can also be tracked along the supply chain before it is embedded in the secure passbook 102, which improves the security of the secure passbook 102 and ensures that no fraudulent activities can occur during the assembly/manufacture of the secure passbook 102.

The UIDs are assigned to manufacturers by one or more standards organizations such as an ISO/IEC committee. Thus, the NFC tags 104 are in compliance with standard RFID/NFC specifications, and can be read by any RFID reader or NFC-enabled user device.

Further, a user can use their user device to verify whether the secure passbook 102 with the NFC tag 104 is genuine, by verifying the UID and/or digital signature of the NFC tag 104.

In an embodiment, one or more types of cryptography are used along with the UID in order to increase the security and reliably verify the authenticity of the NFC tag 104. In particular, a digital signature is used to authenticate the NFC tag 104, as the digital signature is an intrinsically secure type of electronic signature that can easily guarantee the authenticity of the NFC tag 104.

In an embodiment, the UID and the digital signature can be used to verify the authenticity of the NFC tag 104 in multiple different scenarios where fraudulent NFC tags 104 may have been attached to the secure passbooks 102, which are explained as follows.

In an embodiment, in case the fraudulent NFC tag 104 comprises a UID which is not assigned to a legitimate manufacturer, reading the UID and comparing them to the manufacturer’s UID data can help to identify any such fraudulent NFC tags 104.

In an embodiment, in case the fraudulent NFC tag 104 comprises a UID assigned to the legitimate manufacturer, but does not comprise a digital signature, the fraudulent NFC tag 104 will not respond accurately when the digital signature is requested, and hence the fraudulent NFC tag 104 can be identified.

In an embodiment, the fraudulent NFC tag 104 may comprise a UID assigned to the legitimate manufacturer and may comprise a digital signature which, however, would not have been issued by the legitimate manufacturer. Thus, by comparing the digital signature to the manufacturer’s data, the fraudulent NFC tag 104 can be identified by verifying whether the digital signature was issued by the legitimate manufacturer.

In an embodiment, the fraudulent NFC tag 104 may comprise a UID assigned to the legitimate manufacturer and also comprise a fraudulent copy of a digital signature issued by the legitimate manufacturer. In this case, the uniqueness of the UID can be verified to determine whether the UID is a copy/duplicate. Thus, the fraudulent NFC tag 104 can be identified.

In an embodiment, by using a UID with a digital signature, a manufacturer or an inlay maker may sell inlays with a guarantee that the embedded NFC tags 104 are genuine. Furthermore, the users may also use the digital signature to easily verify the authenticity of the inlay and the NFC tag 104.

In an embodiment, the secure passbook 102 may comprise a readable code 106 on one or more pages comprising the front page, last page and inner pages. The readable code 106 may comprise one or more of a numeric code, alpha-numeric code, 1-D barcode, 2-D bar code, open QR code and secure QR code, among others.

In an embodiment, the readable code 106 is correlated to the user data in the NFC tag 104 by storing similar or corresponding info in both the readable code 106 and the NFC tag 104.

The readable code 106 and the NFC tag 104 present in the secure passbook 102 may comprise one or more of personal data and financial data of the user. The personal data may comprise one or more of name, address, and phone number, among others. The financial data may comprise one or more of bank name, account number, user id, and IFSC code, among others.

depicts/illustrates printing 200 of the secure passbook by using a passbook printing unit 204, in accordance with an embodiment.

In an embodiment, multiple pages 202 are provided to the passbook printing unit 204, for printing the sheets of the secure passbook 102. The printed sheets are assembled into the secure passbook 102.

In an embodiment, the printed sheets may be assembled by the passbook printing unit 204 or by an external machine, not depicted in the figure.

depicts/illustrates processing the secure passbook 102 by using a passbook processing unit 208, in accordance with an embodiment. The passbook processing unit 208 comprises slots to insert the secure passbook 102 for processing. The user may insert the secure passbook 102, and the passbook processing unit 208 may scan and read the NFC tag 104 and the readable code 106.

In an embodiment, the passbook processing unit 208 may communicate with one or more servers 324 to retrieve one or more user data. Thereafter, based on the user data and one or more instructions from the server 324 and/or the user through the passbook processing unit 208, the passbook processing unit 208 may execute one or more actions or commands. The actions or commands may comprise one or more of printing one or more transactions into the secure passbook 102 by using the printing module 316 in the passbook processing unit 208, updating one or more information stored in the NFC tag 104 and other transaction-related actions, among others.

depicts/illustrates a system 300 for secure passbooks, in accordance with an embodiment. The system 300 comprises a passbook printing unit 204 for printing secure passbooks 102, a passbook processing unit 208 for processing the secure passbooks 102 and one or more servers 324 for communicating one or more data and instructions related to the secure passbooks 102.

In an embodiment, the passbook printing unit 204 comprises a printing module 302, an NFC attachment module 304, a processing module 306, a memory module 308, and a communication module 310.

In an embodiment, the printing module 302 comprises a printer, as used commonly in the art.

In an embodiment, the NFC attachment module 304 may be positioned inside the passbook printing unit 204. In another embodiment, the NFC attachment module 304 may be an external machine which is positioned outside the passbook printing unit 204.

In an embodiment, the processing module 306 may comprise one or more of microprocessors, circuits, and other hardware configured for processing. The processing module 306 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory module 308 as well as communicate the passbook processing unit 208 through the communication module 310.

In an embodiment, the memory module 308 comprises one or more volatile and non-volatile memory components which are capable of storing data and instructions to be executed by the passbook printing unit 204.

In an embodiment, the communication module 310 may include wired and wireless communication, including but not limited to, GPS, GSM, LAN, Wi-Fi compatibility, Bluetooth low energy as well as NFC.

In an embodiment, the passbook processing unit 208 comprises a display module 312, a scanning module 314, a printing module 316, a processing module 318, a memory module 320, and a communication module 322.

In an embodiment, the display module 312 may be used as an interface to interact with the user. The display may provide one or more options to the user and receive one or more instructions or confirmations from the user.

In an embodiment, the scanning module 314 may comprise a module for scanning/communicating with the NFC tag 104 and a module for scanning the readable code 106.

In an embodiment, the printing module 316 may comprise components similar to a printer, in order to print one or more information onto one or more sheets of the secure passbook 102, based on instructions received from the server 324 and/or the user.

In an embodiment, the processing module 318, the memory module 320, and the communication module 322 are similar in function as the processing module 306, memory module 308, and communication module 310 of the passbook printing unit 204.

In an embodiment, the server 324 comprises a processing module 326, a memory module 328, and a communication module 330.

In an embodiment, the processing module 326, the memory module 328, and the communication module 330 are similar in function as the processing module 306, memory module 308, and communication module 310 of the passbook printing unit 204.

In an embodiment, the server 324 may belong to a banking institution, a payment gateway, or any other payment facilitator. The server 324 may comprise or retrieve information related to multiple user accounts, in order to process and update the secure passbook 102.

illustrates a method 400 for generating the secure passbook 102, in accordance with an embodiment. The method begins with providing sheets to a passbook printing unit for printing the secure passbook, as depicted at step 402. Subsequently, the method 400 discloses printing a readable code on a sheet of the secure passbook, as depicted at step 404. Thereafter, the method 400 discloses attaching an NFC chip with a unique digital signature and UID to a sheet of the secure passbook, as depicted at step 406. Further, the method 400 discloses assembling the printed sheets into the secure passbook, as depicted at step 408.

illustrates a method 410 for processing the secure passbook, in accordance with an embodiment. The method begins with providing the secure passbook to a passbook processing unit, as depicted at step 412. Subsequently, the method 410 discloses scanning a code on a sheet of the secure passbook, as depicted at step 414. Thereafter, the method 400 discloses scanning an NFC chip present in the secure passbook, as depicted at step 416. Further, the method 410 discloses authenticating a digital signature and/or UID of the NFC chip present in the secure passbook, as depicted at step 418. Thereafter, the method 410 discloses retrieving one or more user data based on the scanned secure passbook, as depicted at step 420. The method 410 then discloses receiving one or more instructions from a server or a user, based on the scanned secure passbook, as depicted at step 422. Thereafter, the method 410 discloses executing one or more actions with respect to the secure passbook, as depicted at step 424.

The advantages of the current invention include providing a secure passbook which comprises both a readable code and an NFC tag. The presence of both these features improves the security as well as durability of the secure passbook. In particular, in case the readable code is worn out or incomprehensible, the NFC tag can be used to quickly process the secure passbook.

Another advantage is that the NFC tag is a chip that cannot be cloned, which allows the secure passbook to be safe from any financial fraud that may otherwise occur through the cloning of the NFC tag or the readable code.

Another advantage is that the NFC tag comprises a UID and a digital signature cannot be counterfeited, which helps in easily identifying any fraudulent NFC tags attached to secure passbooks, thus preventing financial fraud.

Another advantage is that the present invention can decrease financial fraud in cases of lost or stolen passbooks. Since the secure passbook comprises the NFC tag and readable code, minimal user details can be printed on the passbook. Further, since specialized processing units are required to read and process information from the secure passbook, it is difficult to steal financial information related to the user from the secure passbook.

An additional advantage is that the provided system can be used in multiple other applications which require a paper trail or paper document, such as pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing industry, education, and commerce industry, among others.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described here.

Claims

A system for generating and processing a secure passbook (102), comprising:
a secure passbook comprising:
a near field communication (NFC) tag (104) configured to be embedded in the secure passbook (102) with a Unique Identification (UID) number; and
a readable code (106) printed on at least one sheet of the secure passbook (102); wherein the readable code (106) is linked to the near field communication (NFC) tag (104) and is configured to store similar or corresponding information.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises:
a passbook printing unit (204) configured to print and assemble the secure passbook (102);
a passbook processing unit (208) configured to process the secure passbook (102); and
a server (324) configured to communicate at least one data and instruction related to the secure passbook (102).
The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the NFC tag (104) comprises a trusted digital signature to communicate with at least one of: the passbook printing unit (204), the passbook processing unit (208), servers (324), at least one user device, at least one cloud server, and a cloud application; and
wherein the readable code comprises at least one of: a numeric code, alpha-numeric code, 1-D barcode, 2-D bar code, open QR code and secure QR code.
The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the passbook printing unit (204) comprises:
a printing module (302) configured to print information onto sheets of the secure passbook (102), based on instructions received from the server (324) and/or the user; and
an NFC attachment module (304) configured to attach an NFC chip with a unique digital signature and UID to a sheet of the secure passbook (102).
The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the NFC attachment module (304) is positioned inside the passbook printing unit (204) or is positioned outside the passbook printing unit (204) as an external machine.
The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the passbook processing unit (208) comprises:
slots to insert the secure passbook (102) for processing;
a scanning module (314) configured to scan the NFC tag (104) and readable code (106);
a display module (312) configured to provide an interface to a user to display at least one option to the user and receive at least one instruction or confirmation from the user;
a processing module (318) configured to execute at least one command based on at least one of: the received user data, instructions stored in a memory module (320) and at least one instruction from the server (324); and
a printing module (316) configured to print information onto the sheets of the secure passbook (102), based on at least one of: the received user data, instructions stored in a memory module (320) and at least one instruction from the server (324).
A method for generating and processing a secure passbook (102), comprising:
embedding a near field communication (NFC) tag (104) with a Unique Identification (UID) number, in the secure passbook (102);
printing a readable code (106) on at least one sheet of the secure passbook (102),
wherein the readable code (106) is linked to the near field communication (NFC) tag (104) and is configured to store similar or corresponding information.
The method as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
printing and assembling the secure passbook (102) by using a passbook printing unit (204);
processing the secure passbook (102) by using a passbook processing unit (208); and
communicate at least one data and instruction related to the secure passbook (102), by using a server (324).
The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising:
using a trusted digital signature to communicate with at least one of: the passbook printing unit (204), the passbook processing unit (208), servers (324), at least one user device, at least one cloud server, and a cloud application; and
printing a readable code comprising at least one of: a numeric code, alpha-numeric code, 1-D barcode, 2-D bar code, open QR code and secure QR code.
The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein printing and assembling the secure passbook (102) comprises:
printing information onto sheets of the secure passbook (102), based on instructions received from the server (324) and/or the user, by using a printing module (302); and
attaching an NFC chip with a unique digital signature and UID to a sheet of the secure passbook (102), by using an NFC attachment module (304).
The method as claimed in claim 10, comprising positioning the NFC attachment module (304) inside the passbook printing unit (204) or outside the passbook printing unit (204) as an external machine.
The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein processing the secure passbook (102) comprises:
inserting the secure passbook (102) into a slot for processing;
scanning the NFC tag (104) and readable code (106), by using a scanning module (314);
providing an interface to a user to display at least one option to the user and receive at least one instruction or confirmation from the user, by using a display module (312);
executing at least one command based on at least one of: the received user data, instructions stored in a memory module (320) and at least one instruction from the server (324), by using a processing module (318); and
printing information onto the sheets of the secure passbook (102), based on at least one of: the received user data, instructions stored in a memory module (320) and at least one instruction from the server (324), by using a printing module (316).