Switching Unit and Auxiliary Memory for Secure Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-service devices, such as ATMs, face security challenges with wireless communication allowing unauthorized access, leading operators to restrict remote access, thereby increasing maintenance delays and costs due to the need for on-site technician presence during business hours.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage data transmission system using a switching unit and auxiliary memory, where data is temporarily stored in the auxiliary memory before being transmitted to a service unit, ensuring secure isolation and preventing unauthorized access, while allowing remote maintenance through wired or wireless networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless communication is used to enable remote access to operating data, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary memory as an intermediary component between the control unit and the transmission unit. Operating data is first transferred to the auxiliary memory, then subsequently transmitted to external service units. This mediator approach allows remote maintenance access while preventing direct access to the control unit, thus resolving the contradiction between maintenance efficiency and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data access path into two distinct stages: first, data is segmented from the control unit to the auxiliary memory; second, data is segmented from the auxiliary memory to the transmission unit. This segmentation ensures that even if the transmission unit is remotely accessible, the control unit remains protected, balancing maintenance efficiency with security.
2Speed
If direct data coupling between service unit and control unit is established, then data transmission speed is improved, but security against misuse deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary memory serves as a mediator that enables efficient data transmission while preventing direct access to the control unit. The two-stage transfer process maintains data availability for maintenance purposes while eliminating the security risk of direct control unit access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the operating data from the control unit environment and places it in the auxiliary memory, which is then accessible to the transmission unit. This extraction separates the data access function from the control unit, enabling fast data transmission without exposing the control unit to potential misuse.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If on-site technician presence is required for maintenance, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but maintenance response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary memory acts as a secure intermediary that enables remote access to operating data through the transmission unit without requiring physical presence at the device. This resolves the contradiction by allowing technicians to access data remotely while the control unit remains protected from direct access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the operating data in the auxiliary memory that can be accessed remotely without affecting the original data in the control unit. This copying mechanism enables remote maintenance activities while maintaining security, eliminating the need for on-site technician presence.
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) has a switching unit i.e. changeover switch (5), connected with an auxiliary storage i.e. Universal Serial Bus (USB)-Stick (6) for intermediate storage of operational data. A data connection between a control unit (3) and the storage exists for the transmitting the data to a service unit (12) e.g. workstation, in a switching position of the switch, so that the data is transferred from the control unit to the storage. A data connection between the storage and a transmission unit (7) exists for transferring the data to the service unit in another switching position. An independent claim is also included for a method for transferring operational data from a self-service device i.e. information, vending or automated teller machine, to a service device.