Ncr Corporation

Cardtronics Usa, Inc.

Kevan Johnston

Graeme Mitchell

Peter Roy Vettraino

Francesc Alier Pous

Martin Barrett

A system and method is described for detecting a foreign object such as a skimmer placed adjacent to a bezel for a magnetic card reader device, as used in automatic teller machines and gas pumps. At least two sensors are mounted adjacent to the bezel. Each sensor provides a signal that varies when a skimmer is mounted adjacent to the bezel. A controller receive measurement signals from the sensors, and generates an alarm signal when the measurement signals differ from associated predetermined baseline signals by at least associated predetermined thresholds. The alarm signal indicates that a foreign object has been detected adjacent he bezel. The sensors may be capacitive, time of flight, spectral, radar, and/or inductive. The capacitive sensors may include three or more plates, forming multiple capacitive pairs, each capacitive pair effectively forming a separate sensor.

Fraud detection system and method

A system and method for detecting a foreign object is disclosed. A transmit assembly has a transmit electrode, a ground plane, and a shield electrode positioned between the transmit electrode and the ground plane. Drive circuitry applies a predetermined fixed signal to the transmit electrode and to the shield electrode. A receive assembly is positioned adjacent to the transmit assembly and has a receive electrode. Detection circuitry is coupled to the receive electrode and generates a receive signal based the predetermined fixed signal applied to the transmit electrode. A controller monitors the receive signal to determine when a foreign object has been placed in proximity to the transmit assembly and/or the receive assembly.

A system and method is described for detecting a foreign object such as a skimmer placed adjacent to a bezel for a magnetic card reader device, as used in automatic teller machines and gas pumps. At least two sensors are mounted adjacent to the bezel. Each sensor provides a signal that varies when a skimmer is mounted adjacent to the bezel. A controller receive measurement signals from the sensors, and generates an alarm signal when the measurement signals differ from associated predetermined baseline signals by at least associated predetermined thresholds. The alarm signal indicates that a foreign object has been detected adjacent the bezel. The sensors may be capacitive, time of flight, spectral, radar, and/or inductive. The capacitive sensors may include three or more plates, forming multiple capacitive pairs, each capacitive pair effectively forming a separate sensor.

Growing community of inventors

Stirling, United Kingdom

Kevan Johnston