Card Reader Skimming Detection via Inclined Face Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional card readers struggle to detect skimming magnetic heads attached to the inclined faces of card insertion ports, as they are not anticipated in existing detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A card reader design incorporating a magnetic head that contacts the card from one side and uses a light emitting and receiving element system to detect foreign matter on both the front and inclined faces of the card insertion port, with the light being refracted and reflected to cover a wider detection area, allowing for the detection of skimming magnetic heads with a simple structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photo reflector is used to detect skimming magnetic heads on the front side of the card insertion part, then detection capability on the front side is improved, but detection capability on the inclined face is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for light detection by utilizing the inclined face of the card insertion port. The light receiving element detects light that has been reflected off the inclined face, creating a new detection dimension that complements the front-side detection. This dimensional extension allows the system to detect skimming magnetic heads attached to the inclined face without adding complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined face of the card insertion port serves as an intermediary surface that redirects light from skimming magnetic heads attached to it. Instead of directly detecting light from the inclined face (which would require complex positioning), the system uses the inclined face itself as a mediator to reflect light toward the light receiving element, enabling indirect detection of foreign matter on the inclined surface.
2Ease of operation
If the card insertion port inclined face is used for card insertion, then ease of card insertion is improved, but it becomes a vulnerable point for skimming attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by detecting the presence of skimming magnetic heads on the inclined face before they can compromise card data. The light emitting and receiving elements are positioned to continuously monitor the inclined face, and when foreign matter is detected, the system can prevent card reading operations, thereby neutralizing the skimming threat before it can execute its malicious purpose.
3Device complexity
If a simple detection structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection coverage on inclined surfaces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting element and light receiving element serve multiple functions: they detect skimming magnetic heads on both the front side and the inclined face of the card insertion port. By positioning these elements to emit and receive light across different angles and surfaces, the same detection components achieve multi-functional coverage without requiring separate detection systems for each surface, thereby maintaining simplicity while expanding detection capability.
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 detects skimming magnetic heads attached to both the front and inclined faces of the card insertion port, enhancing security by widening the detection region and preventing erroneous detection through the use of infrared light.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted from the light emitting element is passed through a part of the card insertion member and then, the light is incident on the inclined face from the rear side and the first direction side and is refracted at the inclined face
Implementation Method 2
light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected on the front side and the second direction side of the inclined face, and light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected on the front side of the card insertion member are incident on the light receiving element
Data Source
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AI summary
A card reader is provided which is capable of detecting a skimming magnetic head attached to a front side of a card insertion member formed with a card insertion port and a skimming magnetic head attached to an inclined face of the card insertion port with a simple structure. The card reader includes a card insertion member 8 formed with a card insertion port 3 and a light emitting element 9 and a light receiving element for detecting that a foreign matter has been attached to the card insertion member 8. A lower face of the card insertion port 3 is formed to be an inclined face 3a which is inclined toward a lower side as going to the front side. Light emitted from the light emitting element 9 is incident on the inclined face 3a from a rear side and the lower side and is refracted at the inclined face 3a and is emitted from the inclined face 3a toward at least the front side. Light emitted from the light emitting element 9 and reflected on the front side and an upper side of the inclined face 3, and light emitted from the light emitting element 9 and reflected on the front side with respect to the card insertion member 8 are incident on the light receiving element.