Transaction Terminal Peripheral Imaging for Dummy Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods to detect foreign objects in transaction terminals, such as card skimmers, are vulnerable to attacks where the imaging device is removed and placed in a dummy device to deceive the system into thinking no foreign object is present.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device captures images of the internal region of a peripheral device and analyzes the percentage change between images to detect if it has been placed in a dummy device, using thresholding algorithms to identify minimal change, thereby preventing the detection of foreign objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image analysis is used to detect foreign objects in peripheral devices, then detection capability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to dummy device attacks where the imaging device is placed in a dummy device to deceive the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple baseline images of the internal region before operation, establishing a reference profile of the genuine device. This preliminary characterization enables the system to later detect deviations indicating dummy devices, preventing deception before transactions occur.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on a single image comparison, the system captures and analyzes multiple images at different positions and orientations. This excessive sampling beyond the minimum single comparison provides redundant verification, making it statistically improbable for a dummy device to replicate all variations of the genuine device internally.
2Reliability
If hardware sensors are added to detect obstructions in the card reader, then foreign object detection is improved, but the solution becomes expensive and labor intensive requiring redesign and replacement of existing card readers
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical copying through imaging devices to create visual representations of the internal device structure. Instead of adding physical sensors that require hardware modification, the system captures images and compares them to baseline images, effectively using light as a non-contact sensing mechanism that requires no physical alteration to existing card readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor-based obstruction detection with an optical imaging and image processing system. Instead of using physical sensors that detect mechanical presence of objects, the system uses cameras to capture images and algorithms to detect foreign objects through pixel analysis, substituting mechanical detection with optical and computational methods.
3Ease of operation
If the imaging device views the dummy device where no foreign object is present, then the system is deceived into thinking no foreign object is present, but analyzing multiple consecutive images with thresholding algorithms can detect the lack of expected variation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously capturing images and comparing them against baseline images, then using the comparison results to update detection status. The image processing unit provides feedback loops where each captured image is evaluated, and if deviations exceed thresholds, the system flags potential dummy device conditions, creating a self-correcting detection mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method and transaction terminal is disclosed. The method comprises capturing, by an imaging device, a first image of an internal region of an apparent peripheral device of the transaction terminal, calculating, by a processor of a transaction terminal, a first amount of change between the first image and a baseline image of the internal region, capturing, by the imaging device, at least one further image of the internal region, for each further image, calculating, by the processor, a second amount of change between the further image and a respective baseline image of the internal region, and when at least two consecutive values of the first and/or second amount of change are below a predefined value, determining that the imaging device is in a dummy peripheral device to prevent detection of a foreign object in an active peripheral device of the transaction terminal.