Data Masking Device for Secure Customer Information Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers providing sensitive information over telephone conversations with operators risk exposing this information due to the need to verbally share it, which can lead to security concerns.
Innovation Solution
A data masking device that converts customer-provided information into computer-readable signals using dual-tone-multi-frequency encoding, allowing customers to enter sensitive information via a keypad or reader, while generating masking signals to indicate entry to the operator, ensuring the information is not disclosed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If customers provide sensitive information verbally to operators during telephone conversations, then the service interaction can proceed smoothly, but the customer information security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data masking device as an intermediary between the customer and operator. This device captures sensitive information entered by the customer via keypad or reader, converts it to masked representations (such as asterisks or generic characters), and transmits only the masked version to the operator's display. The operator can see that information was entered but cannot view the actual sensitive data, thus resolving the contradiction between smooth service interaction and information security.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If customers enter information via keypad or reader, then information security is improved, but the operator cannot verify what information was entered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different information visibility qualities to different parties in the system. The customer's input device (keypad or reader) captures sensitive information securely, the data masking device processes and masks this information, and the operator's display shows only masked representations. This local differentiation of information quality allows the operator to verify that information was entered (through masked feedback) while preventing actual sensitive data exposure.
3Measurement precision
If the system transmits actual customer information to the computing device, then data processing accuracy is improved, but information exposure to operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information transmission path into two distinct channels: one for accurate data processing and one for operator display. The actual sensitive information is transmitted securely to the computing device for accurate processing and record-keeping, while simultaneously a masked version is transmitted to the operator's display system. This segmentation allows both accurate data processing and operator protection to coexist.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of concealing customer-provided information from an operator during a telephone conversation between the operator and a customer includes receiving dual-tone-multi-frequency-encoded customer information via a telephone connection to a customer telephone and generating a request asking the customer to confirm the information. The method also includes converting the dual-tone-multi-frequency-encoded customer information into an ASCII data stream and sending the ASCII data stream to a computing device, whereby the operator is unable to discern the customer information.