Card Reader Ultrasonic Skimmer Detection in the Feed Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card readers face challenges in reliably detecting skimming devices due to factors like material, attachment location, and size, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential card jamming issues when narrowing the card feed path to enhance detection.
Innovation Solution
A card reader that utilizes ultrasonic waves to detect objects in the feed path by comparing received waveforms, allowing for reliable detection of skimmers without the need for numerous sensors and maintaining a sufficient card feed path height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor-based detection methods are used to detect skimmers, then detection capability is provided, but detection reliability deteriorates due to factors like material, attachment location, and size of skimmer components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sensor-based detection (metallic sensors, capacitive sensors) with ultrasonic wave-based detection. The ultrasonic oscillator emits waves that propagate through the feed path, and the receiver captures the waves to detect objects. This substitution eliminates the limitations of sensor-based detection regarding material, attachment location, and size, as ultrasonic waves can detect any object that alters the wave propagation path.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic detection system provides universal detection capability across different skimmer configurations. Unlike sensors that may fail to detect certain materials or positions, the ultrasonic system can detect any object in the feed path that affects wave propagation, making it multi-functional and universally applicable to various skimmer types and attachment methods.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are installed to ensure reliable detection over extensive area, then detection coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function into a single ultrasonic wave propagation system rather than using multiple discrete sensors. The oscillator and receiver work together as an integrated system that covers the entire feed path area, eliminating the need for multiple sensors while maintaining reliable detection coverage.
3Reliability
If card feed path height is reduced to prevent skimmer installation, then skimmer prevention is improved, but card jamming risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through ultrasonic wave detection that continuously monitors the feed path for skimmer presence. When a skimmer is detected, the system can respond by preventing card insertion or alerting operators. This feedback mechanism allows the feed path to maintain its original height for normal card operation while actively detecting and preventing skimmer installation through wave propagation analysis.
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
Enhances detection reliability of skimming devices irrespective of material, attachment, or size, reducing sensor requirements and preventing card jamming, thus lowering manufacturing costs and improving transaction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator configured to emit an ultrasonic wave to the feed path; and a receiver configured to receive the ultrasonic wave emitted from the oscillator
Data Source
AI summary
To ensure reliable detection of a skimming device over an extensive area inside the card reader, it is currently necessary to install a large number of sensors, which may lead to increased manufacturing cost. A card reader for reading magnetic information while feeding, through a feed path, a card inserted into the card reader, includes: an oscillator configured to emit an ultrasonic wave to the feed path; and a receiver configured to receive the ultrasonic wave emitted from the oscillator. The card reader is configured to detect an object present in the feed path by comparing a first received waveform and a second received waveform with each other, the first received waveform being a waveform received at the receiver, the second received waveform being a previously acquired waveform under normal condition received at the receiver.