Dynamic Date Field Encoding for Legacy Protocol Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

In transaction processing systems, older protocol versions may lack sufficient security features, particularly in data transmission and authentication, due to constraints on data fields, making it difficult to enhance security while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a data record with a date field and a cryptographic record field to differentiate between true and dynamically generated dates, employing an event counter and data record creation date for validation, and utilizing a bitmask and Luhn number to modify data fields, allowing for enhanced security without exceeding data field limitations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an older version of the protocol is used to maintain compatibility with legacy system elements, then backwards compatibility is preserved, but security is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackwards compatibilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the data field content variable rather than static. The date field dynamically changes between true expiry dates and dynamically generated dates based on event counters and transaction numbers. This allows the system to adapt its behavior - legacy systems see valid date formats while modern systems can distinguish and enforce security policies based on the dynamic nature of the data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by transforming the date field from a static expiry date to a dynamically generated value that enc multiple information elements (event counter, transaction number, validity period). This parameter transformation allows the same field to carry enhanced security information while maintaining the expected date format for legacy compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If static data is used in the date field for legacy compatibility, then older protocol versions work correctly, but security is compromised due to lack of dynamic validation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelegacy system operationVSAvoidtransaction security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nested doll principle by embedding multiple security-relevant information elements within the date field structure. The dynamically generated date contains nested information about event counters, transaction numbers, and validity periods, all encoded within what appears to be a simple date format. Legacy systems consume the outer date format while modern systems can access the nested security information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the date field as an intermediary that bridges legacy and modern system requirements. The field maintains the appearance of a simple date for legacy compatibility while actually serving as a carrier for complex security validation data. This intermediary approach allows secure dynamic validation without requiring legacy systems to understand or process the enhanced security mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If dynamic data is introduced to enhance security, then transaction security is improved, but data field constraints of older protocols are exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction securityVSAvoiddata field complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the date field multi-functional. It simultaneously serves as: (1) a valid date format for legacy system compatibility, (2) a carrier for event counter information, (3) a validator for transaction authenticity, and (4) a timer for validity period enforcement. This multi-functionality allows enhanced security without requiring additional data fields or increasing overall data complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the date field is used to convey enhanced security information, then security validation is improved, but the field's original purpose as a simple date indicator is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity validation capabilityVSAvoidoriginal date information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using the date field to convey periodic validation information through the event counter mechanism. The event counter increments periodically with each transaction or event, and this periodic change is encoded in the dynamically generated date. This allows the field to maintain its date appearance while actually conveying periodic security validation information that enables enhanced security checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4175216A1Data communication and cryptographic operations using a restricted data channel
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 MASTERCARD INT INC
  • EP4175216A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4175216A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4175216A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of processing information relating to an event marked in a data record associated with an entity is described. The data record comprises a date field and a cryptographic record field. First of all, it is determined whether the date field holds a true date or a dynamically generated date by matching the date field against a true date record. If the date field holds the true date, the data record is processed according to a first processing path for static data for the entity. If the date field holds the dynamically generated date, the data record is processed according to a second processing path for dynamic data generated for the event. In processing the data record according to the second processing path, the date control is extracted from the date field, and a data record creation date is determined from the date control. An event counter is then obtained from the date field using the data record creation date. The event counter and the data record creation date are used to validate a cryptographic record in the cryptographic record field. A corresponding method of generating a dynamically generated date and an associated cryptographic record is also described, together with computing nodes adapted to perform such methods.