Card Reader Socket Foreign Object Detection via Embedded Optical Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing card reader foreign matter detection systems are hindered by weather factors such as rain, snow, frost, and dust, leading to incorrect alarms and ineffective detection.

Innovation Solution

Embedding sensor components within the card reader socket wall to emit and receive detection waves, allowing for the determination of foreign objects regardless of weather interference, using a combination of light emitting diodes and photodiodes with specific emission and reception angles to differentiate between the presence and absence of foreign matter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the optical sensor is installed on the exterior surface of the card socket to detect foreign matter, then the detection function can prevent foreign matter from being stuck, but the optical sensor window becomes frosted in winter weather causing incorrect alarms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign matter detection accuracyVSAvoidweather factor influence on optical sensor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor is embedded within the card reader socket structure, with the emission module and reception module nested inside the socket body. This nesting protects the optical components from direct exposure to weather while maintaining detection capability through the card insertion path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The card insertion path serves as an intermediary medium through which detection light travels. Instead of exposing the optical sensor directly to external weather conditions, the system uses the card insertion path as a protected channel for light transmission, allowing detection without direct external exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the optical sensor is exposed on the exterior surface for real-time detection, then foreign matter can be detected effectively, but the sensor is directly exposed to rain, snow, frost, and dust causing detection failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time foreign matter detectionVSAvoiddetection function reliability in weather conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Both the emission module and reception module are nested within the card reader socket, protecting them from weather elements. The detection function is maintained by directing light through the card insertion path, which serves as a protected internal channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces direct external optical sensing with an internal optical path that uses the card insertion mechanism as the detection medium. This substitution allows the detection function to operate through the mechanical card path rather than through exposed external sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables reliable and automatic detection of foreign objects on card readers, preventing crimes and minimizing losses for users and banks by overcoming weather-related interference, while avoiding false alarms.

Implementation Method 1

whether a foreign object is present in the detection area can be determined from whether the detection wave reflected by the foreign object is received

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2434436B1Foreign substance detection device for card reader and card reader socket
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 GRG BANKING EQUIPMENT CO LTD
  • EP2434436B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2434436B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2434436B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A foreign substance detection device for a card reader includes an emitting module (1), a receiving module (2) and a control processing module (3). The emitting module (1) is embedded on a wall surface of a card reader insertion opening (101) for emitting detection waves to a detection area (103) in front of the card reader insertion opening (101). The receiving module (2) is embedded on the wall surface of the card reader insertion opening (101) for receiving the detection waves emitted by the emitted the emitting module (1). The control processing module (3) identifies whether the receiving module (2) receives the detection wave reflected by the foreign substance in the detection area (103), and determines whether the foreign substance exists in the detection area (103) according to the determination result. A card reader socket which includes a case (100) and the foreign substance detection device is also provided.