Data card authentication system and method
OwnerHansup Kwoninventor
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for authenticating a data card. The method for authenticating a data card having data storage comprises the steps capturing an image of the data card and comparing the image with a predetermined image to authenticate the data card. Alternatively, the method for authenticating comprises the step of receiving the data card to determine whether embossed data is present on the data card. Often, counterfeit data cards are merely cards with the data storage reprogrammed for access. By performing an image comparison between a valid card image and the incoming card image or a check for presence of embossment, counterfeit data cards are discoverable.
Claims20
A method for authenticating a data card having data storage, comprising the step of receiving the data card to determine whether embossed data is present on the data card.
A method for authenticating an ATM data card having data storage, comprising the steps:
- capturing an image of the ATM data card;
- and
- comparing the image with a predetermined image to authenticate the ATM data card.
A data card authentication apparatus for authenticating a data card having a data storage area, comprising:
- a card reader configured to receive the data card and extract data from the data storage area, the card reader includes an embossed data detector configured to detect embossed data on the data card;
- and
- an authenticator coupled to the embossed data detector configured to authenticate the data card upon detection of embossed data.
An ATM card authentication apparatus for authenticating an ATM data card having a data storage area, comprising:
- a card reader configured to receive the ATM data card and read card data from the data storage area, the card reader includes an imager configured to capture an input image of the ATM card;
- an ATM card image database configured to store a valid image of a valid ATM data card;
- and
- a comparator operatively coupled to the card reader and the image database configured to retrieve the valid image and compare the input image with the valid image to authenticate the ATM data card.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.