Fare Validation Terminal Using One-Way Hash Function

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for controlling fare cards in transit systems, particularly those using bank cards, face challenges in securing portable terminals that store lists of validated card numbers, leading to increased security costs and risks of theft and data misuse.

Innovation Solution

A system where portable control terminals do not store lists of bank card numbers, instead using a one-way function to generate and compare control numbers with a reference list stored remotely or on a validation terminal, ensuring secure validation without the need for complex security mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If portable terminals store lists of bank card numbers for validation control, then fare validation can be performed, but security risks increase and complex security mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefare validation controlVSAvoidsecurity risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensitive bank card number data from the portable terminal by using a one-way hash function. Instead of storing actual card numbers, the system stores only hashed values in the reference list on the portable terminal, while the original card numbers remain only in the secure validation terminal. This extraction of sensitive data eliminates the security risk of portable terminals being stolen or compromised.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a one-way hash function as an intermediary between the bank card number and its storage representation. The hash function transforms the original card number into a hashed value that can be stored and compared without revealing the original sensitive data. This intermediary mechanism enables validation control while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If portable terminals store lists of bank card numbers, then validation control is enabled, but device complexity and security costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidation control capabilityVSAvoidsecurity mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the need for complex security mechanisms by extracting sensitive data from the portable terminal. The reference list on the portable terminal contains only hashed values rather than actual bank card numbers, eliminating the need for encryption, authentication, and other complex security features that would be required to protect stored card data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple, non-secure portable terminal that does not require expensive security certifications or protection mechanisms. By storing only hashed values rather than sensitive data, the terminal becomes a low-cost device that can be easily replaced if compromised, rather than requiring expensive security infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS8523061B2System and method for validating that fares have been paid

Publication Date: 2013.09.03 CONDUENT BUSINESS SERVICES LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to a control terminal (20) for determining whether a fare has been paid comprising: a reader (22) for reading a fare card identification number from a fare card; a processing module (25) adapted to implement a one-way function to generate a control number from a fare card identification number; and a comparison unit (27) for comparing the control number to a reference list.