Tamper-Proof Payment Terminal Fiscal Memory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic payment terminals lack effective mechanisms to prevent fraud, such as data tampering or erasure, which can occur when they are not linked to a functioning cash register or when logging errors happen, leading to issues in tax debt collection and administration.

Innovation Solution

An electronic payment terminal with a secure storage module that incorporates a safe structure formed by printed circuits and solidified resin to prevent physical and digital access to transaction data, ensuring that the data remains intact and tamper-proof as long as the terminal remains intact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If payment terminals are not linked to a functioning cash register or logging errors occur, then operational flexibility is improved, but data integrity and fraud prevention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the payment terminal into distinct functional modules: a transaction processing unit and a secure fiscal memory unit. The fiscal memory is physically isolated and protected by blocking means (such as sealed enclosures or tamper-evident mechanisms) that prevent access to transaction data. This segmentation allows the terminal to operate independently without a cash register while maintaining data integrity through physical security measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If access to storage module is allowed for data modification, then ease of operation is improved, but security and fraud prevention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidfraud and tampering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements blocking means that are activated in advance to prevent access to the fiscal memory. These blocking mechanisms (such as sealed enclosures, tamper-evident seals, or electronic locking mechanisms) are designed to detect and prevent any unauthorized access attempts before data tampering can occur. The system proactively blocks potential fraud vectors rather than reacting to breaches after they happen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If blocking means are implemented to prevent access to storage module, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the blocking means within the existing terminal structure by nesting the fiscal memory module inside a sealed enclosure that is part of the terminal housing. The blocking mechanism is incorporated into the same physical space as other terminal components, utilizing the existing structural framework rather than adding separate external security systems. This nesting approach minimizes additional complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2824605B1Electronic payment device having means for blocking access to the fiscal memory
Publication Date: 2017.11.08 COMPAGNIE INDUSTRIELLE ET FINANCIERE D INGENIERIE INGENICO SA
  • EP2824605B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2824605B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2824605B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic payment terminal comprising a data storage module for at least one transaction carried out using said terminal. According to the invention, such a payment terminal includes means for blocking access to said data storage module, capable of preventing any access to said data storage module when said payment terminal is intact. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing such an electronic payment terminal, comprising the steps of: - soldering said data storage module into a safe-forming structure comprising at least two printed circuit boards; - inserting said safe-forming structure into a housing provided in said terminal substantially perpendicular to said assembly plane; - pouring resin into said housing and irreversibly solidifying said resin.