Loop Antenna Interfering Field for Magnetic Card Skimming Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic recording medium reading devices are ineffective against both types of skimming methods, as they either fail to prevent data acquisition when an illegal reader is attached to the magnetic stripe detector via a lead wire or require complex signal conversion and do not address skimming from outside the card insertion port.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic recording medium reading device that generates an interfering magnetic field both inside and outside the card insertion port, using a loop antenna positioned closer to the insertion port than the magnetic head, to prevent data reproduction by illegal readers attached via a lead wire or externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an interfering magnetic field generator is installed near the card insertion port to prevent skimming of the first type, then data theft from external illegal readers is prevented, but the device cannot prevent skimming of the second type where an illegal reader is connected via lead wire to the magnetic stripe detector
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic stripe detector is designed to serve dual functions: normally detecting magnetic stripe data and alternatively generating interfering magnetic fields when skimming is detected. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple types of skimming attacks without requiring separate dedicated systems for each threat type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the magnetic stripe detector into an active defense mechanism by using it to generate interfering magnetic fields that neutralize illegal readers. The same component that could potentially be targeted by skimming attacks is transformed into a protection system that actively counteracts both external readers and lead-wire connected illegal devices.
2Reliability
If a pre-head is used to detect magnetic stripe and output different signals to prevent skimming of the second type, then data theft via lead wire connection is prevented, but the device does not effectively prevent skimming of the first type from outside the insertion port
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic stripe detector performs multiple roles including data detection, interfering field generation, and skimming prevention for both external readers and lead-wire connected devices. This universal functionality ensures comprehensive protection without requiring separate specialized components for different attack vectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal detection mode and interfering field generation mode based on the presence and type of detected illegal readers. The magnetic stripe detector adapts its function in real-time to counteract the specific skimming attempt being detected, providing flexible and effective protection.
3Reliability
If complex signal conversion means are added to prevent skimming of the second type, then data theft via lead wire is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic stripe detector is utilized as a multi-functional component that both detects magnetic stripe data and generates interfering magnetic fields for skimming prevention. This eliminates the need for separate complex signal conversion systems by making the existing detector perform multiple protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic stripe detector serves itself by generating interfering magnetic fields to protect against skimming attacks. Rather than requiring external complex protection systems, the detector uses its own capabilities to neutralize illegal readers, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining effective protection.
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 prevents illegal data acquisition by ensuring that only the existence of data can be determined, not the actual data, thereby thwarting both types of skimming attempts, while maintaining a simpler device configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a loop antenna for generating an interfering magnetic field is disposed around a card insertion port
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic stripe detector including a magnetic head for detecting a magnetic stripe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3
AI summary
A loop antenna (35) generating an interfering magnetic field is provided near an insertion port (22) in which a magnetic card (21) is to be inserted, and the interfering magnetic field is made acted on a magnetic head (34). In the case where the loop antenna (35) generates the interfering magnetic field and the magnetic card (21) is inserted through the insertion port (22), a magnetic stripe detecting unit (10) outputs a detection signal by which only determination of the existence of data recorded in a magnetic stripe (21a) of the magnetic card (21) can be performed. With such a configuration, even if an illegal reader is connected to the magnetic stripe detecting unit (10) via a lead wire, original data can be prevented from being illegally taken.