Card Reader Foreign Object Detection via Internal Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep insert skimmers pose a challenge for self-service terminals as they are difficult to detect internally within the motorized card reader mechanisms, leading to unauthorized card data reading and fraud.
Innovation Solution
A card reader system with a housing, transport mechanism, and internal camera that captures images of distinctive patterns on the guide member structure, comparing them to a reference image to detect foreign objects, generating an alarm and disabling the terminal if a skimmer is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deep insert skimmer is placed internally within the motorized card reader mechanism, then unauthorized card data reading is enabled, but detection of the skimmer becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures a reference image during manufacturing or installation before any skimmer can be inserted. This reference image serves as a baseline for future comparisons, enabling detection of any deviations caused by skimmer insertion without requiring physical inspection of the internal mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical imaging to detect changes in the visual appearance of the card reader's internal structure. By comparing color and pattern information in captured images against the reference image, the system can identify the presence of a skimmer based on visual deviations in the optical properties of the internal components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional skimmers are added to the front fascia of self-service terminals, then card skimming is enabled, but detection and removal are relatively easier
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from physical inspection of internal components and transformed into an optical imaging and image processing system. The camera and controller capture and analyze images of the internal structure, removing the need for disassembly or complex physical examination while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods with an optical-electronic detection system. Instead of physically examining internal components for skimmers, the system uses a camera to capture images and a controller to perform automated image comparison, substituting mechanical detection with optical and computational methods
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method is described for detecting a foreign object inserted into a card reader. The card reader has a housing having an internal portion and a card entry slot formed therein. A reader device for reading information from a card is mounted within the internal portion of the housing. A transport mechanism is within the internal portion of the housing and includes a structure having one or more distinctive patterns on an upper surface thereof. A camera is mounted within the housing above the transport mechanism in a position to allow an image to be taken of the upper surface of the structure of the transport mechanism. A controller is coupled to the camera to receive images therefrom and configured to compare each image received from the camera to a reference image to determine when a foreign object has been inserted into the internal portion of the housing.