Card Reader Anti-Skimming via Variable Speed Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated banking machine card readers are susceptible to unauthorized skimming devices that can read user information from magnetic stripes, posing a risk of theft.
Innovation Solution
The card reader employs a motorized transport system with variable speed and motion patterns to interfere with unauthorized magnetic sensors, ensuring that only authorized sensors can accurately read card data by using processor-determined parameters to control card movement, making it difficult for skimming devices to extract information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized transport system is used to move the card through the card reader, then the card reading process is automated and efficient, but the system becomes vulnerable to unauthorized skimming devices that can read account information from the magnetic stripe
Solution Approach 1:
The card reader employs variable speed transport with dynamic acceleration and deceleration phases. The transport system changes speed continuously during card movement, using processor-determined parameters to create non-uniform motion patterns that prevent unauthorized magnetic sensors from accurately capturing card data while maintaining automated card reading functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transport parameters including speed, acceleration, and position timing. By varying these motion parameters based on processor-determined values, the system disrupts the consistent magnetic field exposure that skimming devices require, while still enabling the authorized magnetic sensor to read card information at appropriate moments
2Speed
If the card is moved continuously at constant speed through the card reader, then the reading process is simple and fast, but unauthorized magnetic sensors can easily capture account information during the card's passage
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system implements periodic acceleration and deceleration cycles during card movement. These periodic speed changes create intervals where the card's magnetic stripe is exposed to varying field conditions that disrupt unauthorized reading attempts, while the authorized sensor can capture data during controlled reading windows
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than maintaining constant speed, the system dynamically adjusts card transport velocity using processor-controlled motorization. This dynamic speed variation prevents unauthorized sensors from synchronizing their reading operations with card passage, thereby reducing information theft risk while maintaining efficient card processing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If variable speed and motion patterns are implemented to prevent skimming, then security against unauthorized reading is improved, but the card reading process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses processor-based control that monitors card position and transport state to dynamically adjust speed and motion parameters. This feedback mechanism automates the complex coordination required for variable speed operation, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface for card insertion and retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The processor-controlled transport system serves multiple functions: it moves the card through the reader, enforces security by varying speed to prevent skimming, and manages the reading process timing. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control system, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function
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
This solution effectively minimizes the opportunity for unauthorized skimming devices to acquire account information, enhancing the security of financial transactions at automated banking machines.
Implementation Method 1
The Card reader may include a magnetic reading device, which is operative to read the magnetically written account information from the magnetic stripe of the card. Such magnetic reading devices may include a magnetic sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A card reader (100) for an automated banking machine (10) is provided. The card reader includes a processor (106) and a card transport (102). The card transport moves at least one card a plurality of cycles between a first position and a second position within the card transport. The card transport continuously moves the card in a first direction for a first time period at a first speed, then continuously moves the card in the first direction for a second time period at a second speed which is slower than the first speed. Subsequent to the second time period, the card transport moves the card in the first direction for a third time period, during which the card stops and starts moving more than five times. Both the second and third time periods vary from cycle to cycle responsive to a variable parameter determined by the at least one processor.