Card Processor Magnetic Field Generator Skimming Defense
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card processors are insufficient in preventing magnetic data theft by skimming devices, particularly those using differential heads, as they cannot effectively balance the outputs of read and dummy heads due to variations in parts and positioning, leading to incomplete noise cancellation.
Innovation Solution
A card processor with a magnetic field generator that produces a combined magnetic field with varying frequencies and intensities outside the insertion slot, making it impossible for skimming devices to adjust their balance, thereby superimposing noise on the read signal and preventing data theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-frequency disturbing magnetic field is generated to prevent skimming, then the basic security measure is implemented, but skimming devices with differential heads can still balance their outputs and read data successfully
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the frequency of the disturbing magnetic field over time. Instead of using a single fixed frequency, the system dynamically adjusts the frequency parameter to prevent differential heads from achieving balance, thereby maintaining security effectiveness against skimming devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the disturbing magnetic field frequency time-dependent. The frequency changes dynamically during the card reading process, preventing skimming devices from using fixed-frequency balance adjustment to cancel the disturbing field
2Reliability
If multiple radiation sources with different frequencies are used to prevent differential head balance adjustment, then security against skimming is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the magnetic field generation function into multiple independent radiation sources, each operating at different frequencies. This modular approach allows the system to generate complex disturbing fields while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using multiple radiation sources that can operate independently at different frequencies. These sources serve both the function of generating disturbing fields for security and the function of adapting to different skimming device configurations, making the system universally effective
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution substantially prevents magnetic data theft from skimming devices, enhancing security by ensuring that even differential heads cannot read data without being influenced by the external magnetic field, thus protecting the magnetic data recorded in cards.
Implementation Method 1
a disturbing magnetic field generator having an iron core wound thereon by a coil is provided in the vicinity of a magnetic card insertion slot to generate a magnetic field (disturbing magnetic field) outside of the insertion slot
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic head for reading out magnetic data recorded in a magnetic card
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A card processor (1) which can substantially reliably prevent magnetic data recorded in a magnetic card (10) and can remarkably enhance security. In the card processor (1), two radiation sources (31, 32) radiate disturbing magnetic fields outside of an insertion slot (11). A disturbing magnetic field (H1) radiated from one radiation source (31) and a disturbing magnetic field (H2) radiated from the other radiation source (32) have different frequencies and intensities. Accordingly, even when a differential head (51) is located at such a position as to be influenced by the disturbing magnetic fields (H1, H2), it is substantially impossible to attain such balance adjustment as to eliminate the influences of the disturbing magnetic fields (H1, H2).