Card Reader Skimmer Detection via Interfering Magnetic Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic recording medium reading devices require dedicated sensors to detect skimmers, increasing costs and hindering miniaturization, and often lead to erroneous detection of items like watches or rings.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic recording medium reading device that uses an interfering magnetic field generated by a loop antenna to detect skimmers without a dedicated sensor, by monitoring changes in the magnetic field and determining the presence of a metal member based on these changes, allowing for the prevention of illegal data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated sensor for detecting metal members is provided in the card reader, then the detection of skimmers is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interfering magnetic field generator is made to perform dual functions: (1) generating interfering magnetic fields to prevent skimming, and (2) detecting changes in the magnetic field to identify installed skimmers. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated sensor, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is merged with the existing interfering magnetic field generator. The control means combines the roles of magnetic field generation and metal member detection into a single integrated system, reducing the number of components while maintaining effective skimmer detection.
2Measurement precision
If a metal detection sensor is provided to detect skimmers, then the detection capability is improved, but the cost becomes higher
Solution Approach 1:
The interfering magnetic field generator serves dual purposes: preventing skimming through interfering fields and detecting skimmers through magnetic field changes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional expensive dedicated sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The interfering magnetic field generator detects skimmers by monitoring changes in the magnetic field it generates. The system uses its own output (the interfering magnetic field) as the basis for detection, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and reducing overall system cost.
3Measurement precision
If a metal detection sensor is provided to detect skimmers, then the detection capability is improved, but miniaturization of the device is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The interfering magnetic field generator is designed to perform both interference generation and metal member detection functions. By integrating these functions into a single component, the device avoids the space requirements of separate dedicated sensors, enabling miniaturization while maintaining skimmer detection accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If a sensor detects metal members near the card insertion port, then skimmer detection is improved, but erroneous detection of worn items like watches or rings occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically monitors changes in the interfering magnetic field over time rather than relying on static metal detection. By detecting temporal changes in the magnetic field caused by skimmer installation, the system can distinguish between permanent skimmers and temporary objects like watches or rings that are removed after card insertion.
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 reduces costs and device size by eliminating the need for a dedicated sensor, effectively preventing skimmer detection while minimizing erroneous detection of non-skimmer metal objects.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generating unit (8) for generating an interfering magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a control means (9) for detecting a change in the interfering magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit (8) and for detecting a metal member installed near the insertion port (22) based on the detection result
Data Source
AI summary
A card reader (1) has an insertion port (22) in which a magnetic card (21) is to be inserted, a magnetic field generating unit (8) that is provided near the insertion port (22) and generates an interfering magnetic field to disturb illegal reading of data recorded in the magnetic card (21), and a magnetic field control unit (9) that controls the magnetic field generating unit (8). The magnetic field control unit (9) detects a change in the interfering magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit (8) and detects a metal member installed near the insertion port (22) based on the detection result. In such a manner, without providing a dedicated sensor to detect a skimmer (illegal reading device), a skimmer including a metal member as a component can be detected by detecting a change in the interfering magnetic field.