Automated Key Loading for Financial Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual key distribution in financial transaction systems is costly, time-consuming, and prone to errors, compromising security due to human intervention and potential misuse of key components.

Innovation Solution

A terminal manager system that automates the process of loading keys to financial transaction terminals by exchanging cryptographic information between a terminal manager system, a key manager system, and authority systems, using public and private keys for secure key management and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual key distribution is used to load keys to financial transaction terminals, then key security can be maintained through dual control, but the process becomes costly, time-consuming, and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey securityVSAvoidkey distribution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical key distribution process with an automated electronic system. The terminal manager system automatically exchanges cryptographic information with key manager systems and authority systems, eliminating the need for physical key component distribution and manual loading procedures. This substitution maintains security through cryptographic protocols while dramatically improving efficiency and reducing human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal manager system acts as an intermediary between financial transaction terminals, key manager systems, and authority systems. It facilitates secure key distribution by managing authentication requests, exchanging cryptographic information, and coordinating key loading processes without requiring direct human intervention at each terminal, thus resolving the contradiction between security and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple people are involved in manual key distribution using dual control, then key secrecy is increased, but the process becomes more complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey secrecyVSAvoidkey distribution process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the multi-person manual dual control process with automated cryptographic authentication. The terminal manager system electronically verifies identities and exchanges cryptographic information with key manager systems, eliminating the need for multiple physical persons to coordinate key distribution. This maintains the security principle of distributed knowledge through cryptographic key pairs while removing the operational complexity of manual coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual key distribution is used, then human oversight can be provided, but costs increase and security decreases due to potential misuse of key components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity oversightVSAvoidsecurity risks from human error

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual key distribution with automated electronic key management. The terminal manager system automatically requests, receives, and loads keys through cryptographic protocols, eliminating human handling of key components. This substitution removes the security risks associated with human error, misuse, or unauthorized pooling of key knowledge while maintaining appropriate oversight through system authentication and authorization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated key loading is implemented, then efficiency and security are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey distribution efficiencyVSAvoidautomated system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal manager system performs multiple functions within a single integrated platform: it manages authentication requests, exchanges cryptographic information with multiple key manager systems, coordinates key loading processes, and maintains security protocols. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems for each operation, achieving automation efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7627125B2Key loading systems and methods

Publication Date: 2009.12.01 FIDELITY INFORMATION SERVICES LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for loading a key to a terminal. The system can include a terminal manager system including a terminal handler that receives terminal information from a terminal, generates an authentication request including at least a portion of the terminal information, and generates a key request. The system can also include a server that sends the authentication request to a key manager system and sends the key request to the key manager system.