FR2805422A1 - Fraud prevention commercial transactions integrated circuit card having radio wave set clock date/time and unique alpha numeric number generated when feed voltage holder inserted. - Google Patents

Abstract

The integrated circuit number output viewer has a clock providing the date and time which is set by radio signals. The card is inserted in a holder, the feed voltage (16) making contact with a metallic strip (15). A unique alpha numeric number set is read associated with an exact time and used to set an off line code for remote transactions.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <B> Indication of the <B> technical field <B> of the invention </ B> The invention relates to an independent and autonomous mechanical and electronic device for determining a commercial operation number ( 1) unique and ephemeral, during purchases made by telematic means using a smart card, according to a coding algorithm.

The invention is part of a system for processing the commercial transaction and constitutes a link. <B> Indication of the status of the <B> technical <B> previous </ B> Fraud on business transactions made by smart cards is worrying and represents sums increasingly important.

Commercial transactions carried out by telematic means (telephone, Minitel or Internet) and paid by smart cards (credit card, bank or other) carry a significant risk of interception number (piracy) for a subsequent reuse of number for fraudulent purposes detrimental to the cardholder and the entire system of business transactions as a consequence.

A chip card number copied from a receipt provided by a merchant is often enough to make purchases and pay by telematic means.

The personal computer coding software currently on the market is not reassuring enough to convince private customers to use these payment methods. Indeed, it is always necessary to register at least once in a non-coded way a real number of payment card in a computer which nothing proves (since nobody guarantees it formally) that the program used for the coding does not memorize in clear what real number at a given location in the computer's memory. The fear of piracy of computers used for professional or domestic purposes, even if it is infrequent and statistically difficult to implement technically, is a significant obstacle to the development of telematic commerce.

Nothing prevents an unscrupulous operator from illegally using a found smart card number, by using encryption software in a legal manner to complete a transaction. The telephone communication of a smart card number to recharge a credit for the use of a mobile phone is not subject to any serious verification Commercial transactions currently handled by teléphone, Minitel or Internet require the communication of the number of the smart card, which hinders the smart card holders and brakes their willingness to buy.

 Environmental disclosure <B> of the invention </ B> The invention combines the use of a smart card and a copy of the invention which is attached thereto by configuration.

The invention is part of a larger device an electronic operator and / or computer will have to decode the string of characters encoded by the invention and communicated by telematic means by the holder of the smart card This operator is remote and accessible by telematics. The messages coded in the form of alphanumeric characters are provided by the invention each time the paired smart card is inserted during the configuration of the invention. Coded messages are valid for a very short period of time. Reuse these coded messages is impossible because - A remote telematic server memorizes the coded messages for a period of time equal to a number of times their period of validity (arbitrarily defined by the network manager), verifying that each coded message is not not reused.

coded messages that arrive with an exceeded validity are systematically refused by the server since its decoding reveals that it has' presented to the server at a later date and time those of the creation of the coded message, plus its duration of validity.

validates dates and times are guaranteed by radio controlled internal clock of the invention.

 Exposé <B> of the invention </ B> The invention does not use any electronic or computer interface, with the computer or the telephone or the Minitel connected to a telematic network. The message delivered by the invention is transmitted manually by typing on a keyboard or orally by phone, changes each solicitation and is valid for a given period of time.

The fear that individuals have to communicate the number of their smart card in a computer by phone or Minitel or Internet (even with secure software) is no longer necessary because the number is actually no longer communicated as such.

The invention serves as long as the associated smart card is valid (if the expiry date the card is inscribed in the chip or magnetic stripe the card).

The invention serves only one smart card, the one used for the configuration of the invention.

The invention consists of two flanges which, assembled in an inseparable manner, form a flat box comparable to a pocket calculator without a keyboard. This housing provided with an opening for the display screen, and another opening in which is introduced a smart card - The following items that are installed in housing - low voltage battery (less than or equal to serves as power supply to the electronic components of the housing.

- An electrically insulating moving part (zipper) which, being moved by the first introduction of the smart card in the housing, establishes the connection between the electronic circuits of the housing and the battery which serves as a source of energy to the housing. This is done either by moving the stack to final operating position, or making contact with a metal blade (15) making a shape detail on the tongue (2.

- A radio controlled clock based on International Atomic Time (TAI).

- smart card reader.

- set of electronic circuits that provide the following functions: - Configure the box at the time of the first introduction of the smart card.

- Read the identification number of the smart card and the end of validity date of the card (if it is written in the chip or magnetic stripe of the smart card).

- For a first use: Coder, using a predefined algorithm, the time provided by the radio controlled clock and smart card number, in a string alphanumeric characters.

- For the following uses: Coder, using a time-dependent algorithm and the time of first use, the time provided by the radio controlled clock and the smart card number, in a string of alphanumeric characters .

- Use the electrical and electronic components of detection of attempted disassembly or intrusion to permanently inhibit the operation of the invention.

- Temporarily inhibit the operation of the invention if the clock radio has not been perceived for a period of time predefined by construction.

- Manage a saved volatile memory that contains after configuration: the number of the smart card, the date of end of validity, the date and time of the configuration phase (first use).

- Maintain permanently and the first use the operation an internal clock, regularly synchronized by the clock radio controlled.

- Use, according to the process described below, a so-called security byte memory. This memory may consist of wired components, the change of state following a check is made definitive by the alteration of electrical or electronic components active or passive.

- user interface in the form of an alphanumeric character display screen. The number of characters displayed on the display screen is sufficient to show a commercial transaction number in its entirety. <B> Operation of the invention </ B> <U> During a first use: </ U> The first use (by introduction of a smart card) of the housing triggers a configuration phase that will not more place during the next chip card introductions. A bar (1), extended by a tongue (2) pierced hole (3) in which there is a battery, pressed the chip card (9) to be matched to the invention pressed the groove (6) of the zipper (together formed by the bar (1) and the tongue (2) The tongue (2) can also be covered with a blade (15) instead of being perforated in (3) Under the pressure of the card (9) , the pull tab releases its lugs (5) from the original position grooves (11) in which they were positioned, the zipper slides along the sidewalls (7) until the lugs (5) fit into the grooves of final position (8).

The pull tab establishes the power supply circuit of the housing components by bringing the battery to the electrical contacts that must receive it.

Or, the metal blade (15) covering the tab closes the electrical contact between the terminals (16) and (17) establish the electrical supply circuit. Note that the terminals (16) and (17) may be located on the same side of the tongue. The blade (15) then makes a contact between the terminals being wider.

At the end of the zipper stroke, the contact strips of the smart card reader come into contact with the areas of the card provided for this purpose.

The electronic components of the housing are energized when the battery arrives in its final housing (4 or when the blade (15) closes the contact between the terminals (and (17)) This contact establishes the power supply of the device.

The electronic circuit formed by the components then examines the state of the radio controlled clock.

The radio controlled clock will remain in operation until the end of the battery life.

Once the radio controlled clock has been synchronized, the components of the invention examine the state of the stored volatile memory which must be empty. If it does not work the invention is definitely inhibited. A so-called one-byte security memory is also verified, its state having been adjusted by construction to a certain electrical level called construction (for example: high). To find it at an opposite electrical level that said "construction" (and called "opposite" level) permanently inhibits the operation of the invention, the chip card number is then read using the smart card reader and recorded permanently in the volatile memory of the case and the exact date and time of first use and expiry date of the smart card (if this information is available on the smart card). Since the number read does not correspond to the expected structure, the security memory is switched to the "opposite" state, the invention is thus definitively put out of service, otherwise the display signals The configuration phase was successful A sequence of characters is generated at this time which will have to be signaled (possibly Internet, by Minitel or by telephone) to a host center.This sequence of characters is computation e from a single encoding algorithm. The coded data is the card number and the date and time of the configuration. The box then returns to the standby state.

The smart card must then be removed from the case. <U> During the following uses: </ U> - A smart card is inserted in the box, the invention checks whether the date and time provided by the clock radio controlled have been synchronized for a period of time provided by construction of the invention. If this is not the case, the operation of the invention is temporarily inhibited. An indication of non-synchronism of the clocks is briefly displayed on the screen. You must remove the smart card and try again later. If the clock is synchronized, a representative signal clock synchronization is displayed on screen for a few seconds.

- The contents of the security memory read. The operation continues if the security memory is at "building" level. The operation of the invention is permanently inhibited if the state of the security memory is found at an "opposite" level.

- The validity date of the card is then it must be later than or equal to the day date. Otherwise, the operation of the invention is permanently inhibited.

- identification number of the inserted smart card then read. It is compared with the chip card number contained in the housing memory.

- If the two numbers are different, the box will signal it and then go off until the next chip card introduction. If the two numbers are identical, a sequence of alphanumeric characters representing an operation number is calculated from the chip card number, the date and time of the current action. The algorithm used is a function of the date and time of the first use of the case.

<U> When attempting to open the housing of the invention: </ U> - or more springs are released which trigger opening of one or more electrical contacts managed by the electronic circuit of the housing. The springs can themselves constitute the contacts. The opening of this or these contacts imposes a level "opposite" to the security memory. The "opposite" level can not be changed even if the springs are repositioned in their slots. - light-sensitive electronic component, managed the electronic circuit of the housing, imposes a level "opposite" to the security memory a brightness is detected. The "opposite" level can not be changed even if darkness is again made in the case.

- Attempt to tear the zipper in the original position brings light into the housing and inhibits the system at the time of its first electrical operation.

<B> Presentation of </ B> Figures Figure 1 shows the zipper (integral piece formed of the bar (1) and the tongue (2)) in the original position within the housing. The dotted circle (10) defines which is detailed in Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 2 shows the shape detail of one of the pins (5) zipper and one of the original position grooves (11) of the housing. Figure 3 shows the optional shape detail of one of the fingers (13) pushed by a spring (14), the zipper and an original position grooves (12) of the housing.

Figure 4 shows the zipper in the final position configured housing. The hole in the zipper has brought the battery into the position where metal blades make permanent contact with this battery.

Figure 5 shows an option of the pull tab. This one does not move the battery but directly establishes an electric contact.

Figure 6 shows the option shown in Figure 5 side view and showing how the tongue (2) makes contact between the two terminals (16) and (17) through the metal plate reported (15).

FIG. 7 represents the invention with a smart card before its first introduction and the display screen of the calculated data (for example a screen with two lines of characters).

<B> Embodiment of the invention </ B> The invention can be manufactured in the following manner The mechanical device called zipper, formed a bar (1) extended by a tongue (2) all one piece made made of molded and electrically insulating plastic material, is pierced with a hole (3) whose diameter is sufficient to pass the proper battery to the housing.

The tongue (2) may also be partially covered by a metal blade (15) which conforms to the tongue shape over part of its surface to make contact between the terminals (16) and (17) which are held by shape on the flanges. The metal blade (15) can be fixed on the tongue (2) by a detail of shape such as a pin (18) retained by a groove (19). The blade (15) made by stamping and folding is then mounted in force. two flanges are made of molded plastic. constitute the backbone of the invention. only two openings are those that let appear the data display screen and the zipper for the first introduction of the smart card.

The two flanges are assembled contiguous grooves equipping the perimeter of these flanges. The assembly is glued and centered with shape details to ensure the relative positioning of the flanges together. The dimensions of the pull tab allow it to slide normally against the sidewalls of the housing (7). Only the pins (5) that spring limit slip capacity.

pins (5) can be replaced by springs (14) push fingers (13) (Figure 3). The bar (1) is provided with two lugs (5) which immobilize it in the position shown in FIG. 1. It can also be pierced laterally by two holes in each of which is housed a finger (13) pushed by a spring ( 14) at low pressure. The finger (13) has the shape of a cylinder or a bar with a square section, and the end which is not housed in the zipper is rounded to the bevel shape whose least abrupt face is in the direction the movement of the zipper. The shape of the finger (13) has the effect of facilitating its extraction the initialization groove (12). If the latter method is used, the throat will be deeper for immobilization in the depressed position to make it impossible to extract the pull. The fingers (13) may be made of metal or hard molded plastics.

One of the two flanges receives - all the electronic components mounted on a printed circuit. The circuit is pierced with positioning holes corresponding to vertical pins for positioning in the flange.

- The zipper in the original position as shown in the figure - The power supply battery, either in the hole of the zipper to be used with it at the time of the configuration sequence, or in another place if the The option shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is retained. The display screen whose positioning is ensured by means of flange shape details. - The assembly is maintained by the assembly of the two flanges obtained by gluing.

The other flange receives the casing opening safety contact. Closing the case by gluing the two flanges allows the establishment of the safety contact Way <B> whose invention is likely to application </ B> <B> industrial </ B> The device according to the invention is particularly intended to secure telematic purchases made by smart card. (1) Commercial operation: Operation that consists in exchanging a good or a service for a sum of money. The debit of the account is requested in a completely telematic way on the bank account of the buyer after he has entrusted the seller with the identification number of his smart card or the transaction number in the use of the invention. It is the seller who usually performs the banking procedures necessary for the conduct of the business transaction.

 (2) Smart card: Card called credit card or credit card or bank card. These cards are equipped with an electronic chip and / or a magnetic strip which are registered a certain number of information.

 (3) Configuration phase: Action consists in introducing for the first time the smart card (9) in the housing by pressing this smart card against the groove (6) of the bar (2) and bringing by its displacement the pull-tab in the housing. This feeds the electronic circuit of the housing, encodes the chip card number and provides a sequence of alphanumeric characters to communicate to a third party.

Claims (4)

CLAIMS: 1) A mechanical and electronic device for producing and displaying an algorithmically encoded alphanumeric character string from a number read on a chip card or with a magnetic stripe thanks to an integrated reader to the case, characterized in that includes a radio controlled clock allowing the integration of the time and the date in the chain of characters. 2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises coding means using an algorithm depending on the date and time of the first start of operation of the device. 3) Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by the presence of a mechanism called zipper, consisting of a bar (1) and a tongue (2), moved the first introduction of a smart card (and blocked irretrievably in the depressed position at the end of the stroke by the action of lugs (5) unfolding in the end position grooves (8) provided for this purpose, a mechanism which establishes an electrical connection by the displacement of a captive electric battery; a hole (3), distinguishing in this the first introduction of the card, following. 4) Device according to claim 3 characterized by the presence of a metal piece (15) which makes contact between the terminals (16) and (17) during the depression of the pull. The establishment of contact that can be made on either side of the zipper or on both sides thereof. Device according to claim 3 characterized by the irreversible locking in the depressed position of the pull tab during the first use of a smart card, by the action of a finger (13) pushed by a spring (14) into a bore provided effect on both sides of the bar, the grooves being deeper in the end position (8 than in the original position (12) 6) Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5 characterized by the positioning of pins or additional fingers on the zipper or on the housing to strengthen the inextirpable nature of the zipper in the depressed position. 7) Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by the presence of a smart card magnetic strip reader for reading the information arranged on magnetic tape located on the smart card. 8) Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by the presence of a light-sensitive electronic component within a device capable of exploiting its characteristics. Exposure to light of this component inhibiting the operation of the invention via a suitable circuit. 9) Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by the operation of electronic components used to store the state of an electronic memory fixed value by construction and modified by the opening of the housing or fraudulent manipulation. The change of state this memory being verified at each solicitation of the invention, and prohibiting the operation of the invention if the state of the memory is not that expected. The components that form this memory are physically altered during their change of state, making this state irreversible. 10) Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by the provisional or definitive decommissioning of the invention if the number read on the first smart card introduced in the invention is non-existent of a different structure from that expected.