Card Reader Optical Foreign Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card readers in self-service terminals, such as ATMs, are vulnerable to fraudulent activities like card skimming and Lebanese Loop attacks, which current electro-mechanical detection methods are unreliable and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
A compact card reader system using a laser beam or optical means to detect foreign objects, such as a Lebanese Loop, by projecting a light beam across the card reader's transport path and employing shutter arrangements with optical fibers and dual beams to prevent unauthorized objects from entering, while utilizing an encoding system to prevent tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electro-mechanical means are used to detect Lebanese Loop, then detection capability is provided, but reliability is poor and complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electro-mechanical detection means with an optical detection system using laser beams and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates the mechanical complexity of moving parts and contact-based sensors, providing a more reliable and maintenance-free detection mechanism that can accurately detect foreign objects like Lebanese Loops without mechanical wear or failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediaries to transmit laser beams through the card path. These optical fibers act as mediators between the laser source and the detection point, allowing the detection system to monitor the card transport path without direct mechanical intervention, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If beam is projected across complete width of transport path, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into multiple focused laser beams positioned at specific critical locations along the transport path rather than using a single wide-scanning beam. This segmentation approach provides adequate detection coverage at key points where foreign objects are most likely to interfere, reducing system complexity while maintaining effective detection capability.
3Area of stationary object
If mechanical beam sweeping system is used, then complete width coverage is achieved, but reliability decreases due to mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical beam sweeping system with stationary laser diodes that emit fixed beams across the transport path. This eliminates moving parts, motors, and complex mechanical control systems, dramatically improving reliability while maintaining adequate detection area through strategically positioned multiple laser sources.
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
Effectively identifies and prevents the insertion of foreign objects, reducing fraudulent operations and ensuring secure card reading processes without raising false alarms, thereby enhancing the security of self-service terminals.
Implementation Method 1
A particularly compact arrangement can be achieved in this manner. The invention is advantageous in that any fraud that might involve the insertion of objects other than the card to be read into the card reader of the self-service terminal can be readily identified irrespective of the shape, configuration and/or dimensions of the object.
Implementation Method 2
employing shutter arrangements with optical fibers and dual beams to prevent unauthorized objects from entering
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides for a card reader, and a self-service terminal employing the same. The reader comprises a card receiving means (14) for receiving a card having stored data to be read and card reading means (12) for reading the stored data. The reader is arranged to deliver a card received at the card receiving means (14) to the card reading means via a delivery path. The path is arranged to maintain the card in a predetermined plane during transportation. A signal source is arranged to produce an output signal which is projected across the delivery path in the plane which a card passes when in use. Detecting means are also arranged to receive the output signal and to detect the presence of an object in the path in response to the object interfering with the signal.