Infrared Enclosure Profile Breach Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security systems for electronic devices, such as ATMs and gaming machines, are vulnerable to tampering and can be easily bypassed due to their mechanical nature, making them costly and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A security system utilizing an infrared sensor unit with IR LEDs and sensors to create and compare IR profiles of an enclosure, detecting any breaches by analyzing changes in the IR patterns, which is integrated into the device's system board to avoid easy identification and tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches and conventional sensors are used in security systems, then the security system can detect breaches, but the system can be easily tampered with, located, and bypassed by mechanical means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and conventional sensors with an optical infrared detection system. IR LEDs emit infrared light that reflects off objects inside the enclosure, and IR sensors detect these reflections to create a unique optical profile. This optical system cannot be mechanically tampered with, blocked, or bypassed in the same way mechanical switches can be, thereby resolving the vulnerability to mechanical tampering while maintaining security detection capability.
2Reliability
If multiple conventional sensors are used to detect security breaches, then detection capability improves, but each sensor can be quickly located and altered or bypassed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated optical system. Instead of using separate sensors for different detection purposes, the system combines IR LED emission, reflection detection, and profile comparison into one unified optical detection mechanism. This integrated approach maintains comprehensive detection capability while reducing the number of separate components that could be individually targeted for tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a unique optical profile (a kind of digital copy) of the enclosure's interior by analyzing infrared light reflections. This profile serves as a template for detecting changes. Rather than relying on multiple physical sensors, the system uses this optical copy to detect breaches by comparing current reflections against the stored profile, thereby reducing physical complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
3Reliability
If conventional security components are used, then security functionality is provided, but the components increase the cost of the device and require mechanical fasteners, connectors, and wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical fasteners, connectors, and wires by replacing them with an optical detection system. The IR LEDs and sensors are integrated directly into the enclosure structure, removing the need for separate mechanical mounting components. This integration simplifies manufacturing, reduces material requirements, and lowers overall cost while maintaining the security function.
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
Provides an inexpensive and effective means to detect security breaches by generating and comparing IR profiles, reducing the likelihood of tampering and enhancing security without increasing the device's physical complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly may comprise at least one infrared ('IR') light-emitting diode ('LED') which outputs IR light
Implementation Method 2
an infrared sensor unit develops an infra-red mapping of an enclosure
Implementation Method 3
an IR sensor which detects the IR light output by the IR LED and subsequently outputs corresponding IR detection signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting a security breach of an electronic device are provided. The system includes a sensor assembly having at least one IR LED which outputs IR light, and an IR sensor which detects the IR light output by the IR LED and outputs corresponding IR detection signals. The system further includes a processor which generates an IR profile of an interior of the enclosure with reference to the IR detection signals output by the IR sensor. The processor determines that there has been a security breach of the enclosure at least in response to detecting IR activity in the enclosure from the IR detection signals that does not correspond to the IR profile. Output signals from a various other sensors may be used to confirm whether the security breach has occurred.